She could not say how many votes she would get but expressed her determination to give her opponent a tough fight. Capt. Sahgal, who came here on the last leg of her election campaign, told newspersons that she was not personally opposed to her rival, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, but to the forces sponsoring him. She wanted the NDA and the Congress to know that they were not the only ones to decide the destiny of the country.

The Left parties were also fighting a determined battle for the amelioration of the problems faced by the poor and needy. Her candidature, therefore, reflected an important political point. She did not promise to do miracles in the election but insisted that it would not be merely a symbolic fight against her opponent. Capt. Sahgal criticised the economic policies being pursued by the NDA saying that it amounted to a total sale of national interests to the United States.

American imperialism was being allowed to spread its tentacles in every nook and corner of the country and this would have a disastrous impact on the economy. History proved that wherever American influence was allowed to take root, the economy of the host country had gone to pieces.

Referring to the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya and the communal riots in Gujarat, she said these developments exhibited meanness of the worst kind. A feeling of intense insecurity had overtaken the minorities and forces of `Indianness' have been weakened.

This situation would have to change. And that would require a strong battle to be waged against forces working against the interests of the people.

She appealed to the members forming the electoral college to cast a conscience vote and not to accept the dictates of their parties.