An acclaimed novelist, a statutory body head and now a politician. Renowned Hindi literary luminary and Jharkhand Women's Commission chairperson, Mahua Manjhi has multiple faces. Though Manjhi's political foray may have come as a surprise to many, she has always been mindful of her people's sufferings. Her works have been widely published and her efforts against human trafficking and child labour variously appreciated. Manjhi, who is contesting from Ranchi assembly seat on a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) ticket, has no political lineage. We were the first to report that JMM has put its faith on the doyen of literature in BJP's den.
Here are excerpts of a telephonic interview:
IBNLive: What is the reason behind this sudden shift? Are you ready to take up the challenge?
Mahua: You and I, journalists and writers, have a habit of criticizing everything. We take a step back when we get a chance to do something extraordinary. JMM has given me an opportunity and I did not want to miss it. Gurujee (Shibu Soren) has always encouraged me and appreciated my work as the head of Jharkhand Women's Commission.
IBNLive: Did you expect JMM to give you this opportunity?
Mahua: Had there been a tie-up between Congress and JMM, the ticket would have been given to a Congress candidate in Ranchi. JMM doesn't enjoy an enviable support base in that area. However, since JMM is going solo and has fielded candidates for all the 81 seats (two nominations rejected on technical grounds), my name was finalised for the Ranchi seat.
IBNLive: You have been pitched against a strong contender CP Singh. Isn't it too late?
Mahua: BJP has existed here for the last 18 and a half years. CP Singh won the last four elections, but did voters get anything in return? Come to Ranchi and see the dismal condition of roads and crossroads. Roads are choked by traffic jams and garbage is littered everywhere due to municipality's mismanagement. Ambulances, school buses are stuck in traffic, emergency services reach late. You can't find a flyover in the city. It is an urban constituency, people are aware why they should not vote for the saffron party.
IBNLive: What will be your poll plank? Will you focus on national or local issues?
Mahua: Local is global. The relentless hard work of our artists have provided a global platform to regional art. Players make local sports global with their talent. In a similar way, local issues can also become global. My strategy will be people-friendly. I will focus on issues that irk residents everyday. Modiji comes to Jharkhand for two hours and leaves. I appeal to voters to support the local leadership. Vote for someone who has faced the same issues you are facing every moment.
IBNLive: Modi talks about development and your party blames the BJP for ignoring local issues. Isn't development a local issue? How do you define development, especially in the context of this state?
Mahua: The local has made Modi global. Gujarat has made him global. Development means solving minute problems of plaguing people to make their life easier. Hospitals, schools, roads, transport, traffic, electricity and water supply, safety are some such issues. Development does not mean selling resources to corporates and destroying the local, socio-economic fabric.
IBNLive: BJP says same party rule at the Centre and state provides a thrust to development. You agree?
Mahua: This is not a valid argument. Modi is cashing in on the Gujarat model of development. Let me ask him -- Didn't Gujarat grow when BJP was in the state and a Congress-led government at the Centre?
IBNLive: In a state with an alarming occurrence of human trafficking, what will you do if your party wins?
Mahua: Based on the suggestions of the Jharkhand Women's Commission, JMM CM Hemant Soren has included women and children's safety and women's reservation (paramedical, police) in his policy. The work has already begun. If the party wins, it will introduce bills on these issues and get them passed in the assembly.
IBNLive: What is your party's vision?
Mahua: My party is a grassroot's party and is the default party of the Adivasis. We will never compromise their rights. We don't finances like the big national parties. We are going to the voters with a clean image and the sincere work of our candidates. It is an appreciable move in politics.
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