'Independents can be the voice of conscience'

Dolphy D'Souza, Independent candidate from the Malad (W) constituency, speaks to Sanjeev Devasia about the need for well-meaning people in politicsWhy are you contesting as an independent?Established parties prefer candidates with money and muscle power to those with an education. Instead of complaining, I decided to contest as an Independent. There is a need for well-meaning people in politics. I believe Independents can be the voice of conscience.u00a0 How will you fight established parties?I am associated with u00a0Jagore Nagrik Manch, a citizen's movement, and u00a0I'm the president of the Bombay Catholic Sabha. Over 90 NGOs will campaign for me. Ek Ka DUM:u00a0 Dolphy D'SouzaWhat's your poll promise?I will hold regular meetings with residents in order to resolve infrastructure and other issues on a day-to-day basis. Such exercises in participatory democracy are absent today.Once elected, what are your priorities?The Malad (W) constituency has many deprived sections, and areas like Ambujawadi have seen little development. There are very few hospitals and health care facilities here, and they need to be improved.Citizen's movementJagrut Nagrik Manch is backing Hansel D'Souza (48), a Juhu resident who will contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections from Andheri West (A165) constituency. Corporator Adolf D'Souza from Juhu was elected as the first-ever citizens' consensus candidate in 2007, during the Vote Juhu campaign.