We're in a good fight, Azam is a worried man: Noor Bano

Rampur royal Noor Bano has lost twice to Jaya Prada. But tells bureau that her party is better off this time. Excerpts:

Your son Naved is back in the Congress after stints in the SP and the BSP

It was his decision to go. But I think it was driven by the property litigation in the family. Azam Khan razed Benazir Palace to the ground despite court orders. Mulayam Singh told me he couldn’t intervene in Khan’s affairs. I think Naved felt he had to be on the ruling side for protection. Now the suit is in the Supreme Court, so out of state control..... I am sure he is back for good.

You joined hands with Khan in the 2009 LS polls. Was that your undoing?

I had no pact with Khan. Noor Mahal’s feud with him is four decades old when my husband used to contest. Khan switched sides to defeat Jaya Prada. Since my son was in the BSP, I think it was his strategy to snap Noor Mahal’s ties with the Congress (by making me suspect ). I never spoke to him but our workers fell in his trap.

Now, Jaya Prada is opposing Azam Khan.

She is pro-Khan. Else, they would not have given a candidate in his bastion, it will only help him.

Can the Congress reclaim Rampur?

We’re in a good fight in all five seats. Even Khan is a worried man in the city. It is after a long time that we’re fighting as one... each candidate is helping the other. I called all the five and told them while Naved is contesting one seat I’ve five sons in this election.

It has been a long disappointment here for the Congress... must be hectic this time with all the optimism.

My son complains I’ve not gone to his constituency (Suar). I’ve to campaign for all. My daughter Samar has come from Mumbai to help her brother. Ours is a sarhadon ki ladai with rivals, a battle for every inch.