Karnataka - Bangalore

Jobs, education for rural women are my priorities: Anitha Kumaraswamy

Anitha Kumaraswamy

BANGALORE: “I do not know why politicians waste so much time by indulging in unnecessary talk. What they are expected to deliver is not rhetoric, but work which will benefit people. I do not like to speak, but want to focus on work....” says the reticent Anitha Kumaraswamy who made it to the Assembly for the first time by winning the keenly fought byelection from Madhugiri recently.

The contest of Ms. Anitha, wife of the former Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy, drew the attention of the entire State as it was a prestige issue for the Janata Dal (Secular). She is the first woman member from the Deve Gowda family to enter politics. But her claim to fame is not just that.

This computer science engineer by qualification heads a Kannada entertainment television channel and is planning to launch a news channel and a FM radio channel this year.

In an interview with The Hindu, Ms. Kumaraswamy shares her views and experiences on various issues.

Excerpts from the interview:

Did you enter poll politics by choice?

Answer: No, it was not my decision. There was no time to think either. I had to file nominations as the party workers brought pressure on the party to field me.

What was your experience of the bypoll?

It was like a war. Our political opponents, especially the BJP, did everything to defeat me. But at no time did I feel nervous. I feel very happy now that people of Madhugiri have supported me and accepted me as their daughter. However, it has increased my responsibility.

Having won, what is your priority now?

I want to first set up an office in Madhugiri and take measures for development of this backward constituency. I am planning to provide facilities such as job-oriented training for unemployed youth, especially women of this constituency, on the lines of what Mr. Kumaraswamy has done in Ramanagaram. I want to provide marketing linkage for flower growers. What are the issues you want to take up for women?

For the women, especially rural women, we need to provide education. There is a dire need to prepare them for jobs by providing some job-oriented courses and creating employment opportunities.

What are your views on the status of women in the State politics?

There are not many women representatives in the State politics. In fact, I often tell my husband that although the symbol of Janata Dal (Secular) is a woman, there are not many women in the party.

How do you manage to handle the multiple roles of being an entrepreneur, politician and family woman?

It is a bit tough, but can be handled through proper time-management.

Did you give any suggestions to your husband when he was chief minister?

We cannot avoid discussing politics. I used to basically tell him about my views on any negatives regarding development schemes.

Who is your political role model?

There are no role models. But I was impressed by the simplicity of the late D.T. Ramu, the then MLA from Channapatna, who was my father’s friend. (Ramu did not have a vehicle and travelled by bus as MLA.)

Did you receive any tips in politics from your husband when you entered the fray in bypolls?

No. I learnt it on my own after entering the fray.

What are the qualities that you like most in your husband as a politician?

I like his quality of treating everybody equally without discriminating on the basis of caste, region and social status.

Karnataka, which was known for secularism is now witnessing attempts to disturb communal harmony.

Our party stands for secularism. I will fight any effort to disturb communal harmony. All citizens have a right to practise the religion of their choice.

How do you rate the performance of the BJP government in the State?

It is a total failure. It has failed miserably in managing the power supply situation and handling rural issues. People are angry with it for the administrative failure.

With your IT background, will you strive for taking IT to rural areas?

Yes. I want to work towards this with an intention of improving the quality of life in rural areas.

You have been closely monitoring politics for a long time as you are from a political family. What do you feel about politics?

At times I feel disgusted when it fails to help people. People, whether men or women, should enter politics only if they want to serve people.

The problems start when they come here with selfishness.

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