Mathura hospital PRO, Manoj Sharma - Congress will always win in Mathura, no other party ever will

Elections are not just about politicians. They're about people and issues. And what will really drive their vote.

Catch is, therefore, starting a 'People of UP' series, which will capture what different impact groups across the state are feeling. This is true insight on the Uttar Pradesh election: up-close and hyper-personal.

Manoj Sharma is a public relations officer in a local hospital in Mathura. Catch News spoke to him at the popular Shiv Dhaba in Mathura city. "Mathura is a very secular city. Hindus and Muslims live very peacefully within the city."

"People have an anticipation that because Mathura has religious significance for Hindus, it must be a BJP dominated region. But that is not the case."

In a Uttar Pradesh constituency that has about 90,000 Brahmins and 80,000 Vaishays, and 40,000 Muslims, you would think that BJP would dominate. But Congress candidate Pradeep Mathur has won 3 consecutive assembly seats from Mathura and is the sitting MLA of the city.

"People from all castes and religions have unanimously voted for Pradeep Mathur for three terms. He has done a lot for the city. He listens to the poor people and their problems. You can walk into his house and he will meet with you. He has a very personal touch with the people. He will surely win from here again."

"People may have a problem with SP-Congress alliance during the elections but we don't. Congress may not form the government in the the state but for ordinary people like us, the candidate like Pradeep Mathur is a blessing."