NEW DELHI: Sheila Dikshit is supremely confident of a third straight Assembly election victory. But that does not mean she is sitting pretty on her laurels as the longest-serving chief minister of Delhi. As she gears up for the hectic last one-week of campaigning, the CM talked to Times City at her residence on Thursday, a couple of hours before she started the day's second round of public meetings. Excerpts:

Q: How do you look at your 10-year tenure as chief minister of Delhi?

A: We have been able to provide clean, progressive, transparent and efficient government. The development is visible to all. Flyovers, Metro, opening of schools, improvement of government schools' result are not just claims, but ground realities. Citizens and their groups have been made a part of good governance.

Q: Two terms of anti-incumbency - what makes you hopeful of winning again?

A: People's faith and desire to get an efficient government. We intend to achieve new heights in improving the city and work more to meet people's expectations. We will carry out further development works. I am sure of Congress victory.

Q: Is BSP really going to be a spoiler for Congress?

A: I don't find any logic behind the argument of BSP denting our poll prospects. This has been blown out of proportion by the BJP to demoralise our party cadre. BSP is no threat to Congress particularly after the random changes in candidates the party affected.

Q: BJP claims your government will sink because of terrorism and expensive vegetables, particularly tomato. How serious are these issues?

A: Terrorism should not be a political issue. It's a national issue. Terrorist activities are reported from several states. Is killing Gujjars in Rajasthan any less an act of terrorism? Delhi election should be fought on local issues. As for vegetable prices, they are already falling. Tomato price has touched Rs 30/ kg. The rise of vegetable prices is also due to the season. Usually, their prices go up during these months. But everything will become normal soon.

Q: Congress has dropped the statehood issue. But you want police to be brought under Delhi government. Is it not a contradiction?

A: We understand why complete statehood is impractical. Delhi's general law and order could be brought under the purview of city government. Policing has to be technologically advanced in the capital.

Q: BJP candidate from New Delhi, Vijay Jolly claims he could defeat you. He has been levelling several charges against you. How do you look at this challenge?

A: We are pretty sure of winning. I stay here right in the constituency. Jolly stays nearly 20 Km away. He speaks first then thinks. There is no threat.

Q: People of Gole Market say you are hardly seen in the constituency and your sister manages the affairs. Will this dent your chance?

A: Undoubtedly, my sister looks after the constituency but people's issues are addressed. As a chief minister I am out there to serve all and of course to take care of my own constituency. I keep myself informed of all issues and activities in my constituency.

Q: In no other state, where assembly poll is underway has your party names a CM candidate. But in Delhi you seem to be the chief ministerial candidate. Any particular logic?

A: It has been the party's policy not to announce name of the chief ministerial candidate in any election. But since I am the sitting chief minister, I am naturally there.