PATNA: They can’t do without their laptops and mobile phones. They swear by Chetan Bhagat and Sydney Sheldon. Morning walks, Baba Ramdev’s pranayam and herbal medicines make up their survival kitty. Meet the new generation women in the political fray.
What’s more, they are not here because their husbands want them to contest polls. They have their own perception about life and politics. They are highly educated, stylish, convent educated and trendy. They are just not conscious about the world around them, but also about their look, health, fitness and public appearance. The sari they drape may be cotton, but the footwear they sport is usually branded. And yes, they carry their own water on the campaign trail. Over to Bihar’s bahus and betis at the hustings.
Ujwala Sahi, Congress, Hajipur
Ujwala Sahi is very fond of music and can’t think of stepping out of her house without her laptop and mobile. “They are the best way to stay connected and updated.” I-pods and digicams are her favourite gadgets. She’s a voracious reader, too. “I have just completed Anything for you, Ma’am’ by Tushar Raheja. Chetan Bhagat and Sidney Sheldon are my favourite writers,” she added.
“I follow an ayurvedic mantra for my diet that says only one cereal a day and dinner by 7.30 pm.”
She starts her day with a fresh fruit, cornflakes or daliya and prefers to take her own water bottle during campaigns.
Sukhda Pandey, BJP, Buxar
This BJP four time contender, has won the assembly elections twice. “I started my political career by participating in the 1974 JP movement,” she told TOI, adding, “I want to make women realise the importance of their votes.”
Her motto in life is to be happy and avoid anger. To relax, she tunes in to Manna Dey. Not only this she has been a celebrated teacher badminton champion of Patna University. She likes to start her day with a lemonade and Baba Ram Dev’s aamla and aloe vera juice.
She has written three Hindi books and several articles in newspapers and magazines and even worked in All India Radio.
Veena Sahi, RJD, Vaishali
Veteran Congressman L P Sahi’s daughter-in-law, former minister Veena Sahi, has one mantra for success: keep your personal and professional lives separate.
She is an information freak and likes to update herself with newspapers, magazines and Internet surfing. A 30 to 40-minute walk is enough to keep her going for the day. She follows a strict vegetarian diet and never misses her yoga classes. She is currently reading “The Prophet of Khalil Gibran”.
She’s very fond of reading, she says, but no political literature. “I want to do a lot for my area, especially in the fields of education, health and energy.”
Usha Sinha, JD(U), Hilsa
“I have no political background but being an extrovert helped me a lot in making my mark in politics,” said Usha Sinha. She started her political career in 1989. She gives in to one luxury after a hard day’s work: a relaxing foot massage.
“I love watching movies related to social causes. Rajneeti’ and Apharan’ are my favourite films,” she said. But she has no weakness for comedies. And no cooking either. “Although I love good food.” Chilly chicken is her favourite dish.
She says she keeps gulping down cups of tea, a habit she would like to get rid of.
Read more: Bihar belles ring in new age poll style – The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Bihar-belles-ring-in-new-age-poll-style/articleshow/6782979.cms#ixzz131woGolC