Bengaluru: Already a successful businessman, Mr Uday Garudachar is now trying his luck in politics for the second time. “I wan to serve the people and give shape to organised retail which is lacking at the moment, “ he told the Deccan Chronicle in an interview . Excerpts
You are a well known businessman and entrepreneur. So why did you choose politics?
There are several ways to contribute to the growth of the country. Initially, I paid taxes right to build the nation. And now that the next generation of my family has taken on the responsibility of business, and eased the burden on my
shoulders, I decided to join politics.
But this is not the first time. You have entered politics before.
I joined the BJP in 2008 and contested from Chikpet. Despite losing the match, the margin was very small. So I did not given up on the constituency. A number of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities have been carried out for developing the constituency.
You run one of the leadings malls in the city. How do you plan to change the dimension of the constituency, which is a hub of business?
I am the pioneer of the concept of shopping malls and public- private partnership in Bengaluru. Chikpet is the hub of business as it is home to areas like Dharmaraya temple, Chikpet, VV Puram, Hombegowdanagar and Sudhamanagar. Unfortunately, there is lack of organised retail. Traders need to be enlightened about the importance of parking and customer -friendly measures.
You getting a ticket has created ripples in the party. How will you deal with the opposition?
I have been nurturing the constituency for the last five years. My office is in the heart of the constituency enabling me to access people. It is a democratic set- up and anyone can cast aspersions or passing malicious remark against others. But this is completely unacceptable. A survey has been done by the BJP headquarters and I have a high rate of success with 92 per cent.
Why did you choose Chikpet though your business has flourished in Shantinagar?
It is a conscious decision. I do not want a clash of interest between business and serving people. I do not want to hear accusations and allegations that power is being misused for business.
