I respect Ramkripal, but voter with me: Misa Bharti

Misa Bharti is better known as the eldest of RJD boss Lalu Prasad’s seven daughters and two sons. Named after the draconian Maintenance of Internal Security Act(Misa) which Indira Gandhi used in the 1970s to jail JP movement activists, this MBBS gold medallist is contesting from Patliputr . Raj Kumar caught up with the mother of two daughters. Excerpts:

On her name associated with a Draconian law

Naam hi kaafi hai (laughs). I’m proud of my name. It was given to me by the likes of Loknayak Jaya Prakash Narain. When people talk about that movement, they mention my name. I need no introduction.

On contesting with support from Congress, which used the Misa law

That movement was against a system, not Congress. It isn’t the same Congress anymore. This party brought in food security and anti-graft laws such as RTI and Lokpal.

On whether she’s a product of dynastic politics

What’s wrong with a neta’s son or daughter contesting a poll? My father is a politician but that hasn’t made me candidate automatically. I have to struggle, reach out to voters and win hearts… I want to work for women. Politicians talk about women’s development, but don’t do much about it.

On her father opposing women’s quota in legislatures

He isn’t against reservation for women. He wants reservation for backward classes within quotas for women. He is right. Reservations must not only benefit the rich.

On talk that her father’s aide Ramkripal Yadav will join BJP and fight from Patliputra

Let him. Let voters know how people sacrifice ideology for selfish ends. I’ll always respect him. People’ support is with me.

On his father’s role as non-playing captain

(Laughs) Laluji has a bigger stature. He is a coach now.

On Nitish Kumar’s claim of ridding Bihar of jungle raj

Rapes and murders continue in Bihar. Alcohol is more easily available than drinking water. The CM looks after 18 departments. He beats ‘thalis’ to hide his failures and claims that’s to agitate for special state status. I’d be happy if Bihar gets special state status, but no one should derive political mileage out of it.

On her praise for Narendra Modi’s oratory skills

Modi is a good speaker and uses, rather misuses, his skill to divide the country and fan riots. You must’ve heard (Arvind) Kejriwal expose the so-called development in Modi-ruled Gujarat.

On Kejriwal and AAP?

Kejriwal can be a good critic if he is outside government.

On taking Bihar beyond caste-based politics

Casteism is everywhere. They earlier alleged only regional parties indulged in caste politics. Look what BJP is doing; they’re trumpeting Modi belongs to a backward caste. To me, women of our country are a caste. My politics will be based on this caste.

On whether her husband will call the shots if she wins

(Laughs) I will operate independently.