AAP MP Bhagwant Mann:'I consume alcohol 2-3 times a week, never in day'

After being a comedy star, Bhagwant Mann, AAP, Member of Parliament from Sangrur is fast learning as to how politics is practiced. And, he comes out to be a fast learner, never mind glitches he commits stepping on the toes of all and sundry. In a telephonic interview, Mann tells, TOI’s special correspondent Rajinder Taggar that he was in politics to change the system and not yearning for any big office.Excerpts:
Q. Mann sahib why are you so much defamed for being a drunkard?
Ans. It is the handiwork of my enemies who have spread canards about my drinking habit. I do not drink during the day and I am an occasional drinker.
Q. But your friend Harinder Singh Khalsa, AAP’s rebel Member of Parliament, has written to the speaker Lok Sabha, to change his seat which is adjacent to yours as you stink of liquor every day.
Ans. Why did Khalsa remain quiet for over two years and now suddenly he has found me stinking of liquor? It is only after his suspension from the party that he has levelled this false charge against me.
Q Well, how many times you drink in a week?
Ans. Only two or three times a week.
Q. Do you think that you can be a chief ministerial candidate?
Ans. As I said before, I am into politics to change the system not to run after offices. The political affairs committee will decide about the candidate at the right time.
Q. Many names are floating for the post of Chief Minister.
Ans. They are all floaters only and will remain floating. The real name will be announced by the PAC.
Q. Your party seems to have no infrastructure to respond to statements against you while Congress, holds press briefing every evening in Delhi.
Ans. You are comparing AAP to a party which is 125 years old. We are too young. Only two years have passed when AAP was formed. We are in the process of developing infrastructure and soon you will find AAP responding with in one hour of any political and social happenings.