Former cricketer turned Congress MP Mohammed Azharuddin on Monday said his dream was to bring Congress to power in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
"Successive government have done a lot of damage to the state and the people of UP are paying the price. Only Congress can restore UP to its former glory and bring succour to the people," he said.
The former captain of Indian cricket team told media here that although Rahul Gandhi had not given him a specific agenda, he was working on his constituency Moradabad. "Even though Moradabad is quite far from my native place I spend a lot of time in the constituency," he said.
When asked whether other cricketers should follow his foot steps and join politics, Azhar said it was a matter of individual choice but young and educated should certainly aim for a political career. He said he could not say whether Vinod Kambli, who is contesting Maharashtra assembly elections, had taken inspiration from him. He said his wife Sangeeta Bijlani did not have any inclination towards politics though many actors were turning politicians.
The former cricketer expressed confidence that Congress and NCP coalition would retain power in Maharashtra. "The response to my public rallies was tremendous. The people believe that the state can progress only under leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi," he said.
The ex-cricketer said he did not regret that Twenty20 was not around in his playing days preventing him from showcasing his talent as an attacking batsman. "It was not there in my time and that is a fact. What is the point regretting it. I will not achieve anything by cribbing. I cherish good cricket I played during my career," he said.