J. Shanta, former MP, is in a positive frame of mind as she contests the byelection to the Ballari parliamentary seat on BJP ticket. Ms. Shanta, sister of BJP State vice-president B. Sriramulu, has represented Ballari for a term (2009-2014) earlier. In an interview with The Hindu , she insists that she has her own identity in public life. Excerpts:
Do you feel your image is overshadowed by the popularity of your brother Sriramulu and also that of the Reddy brothers of Ballari?
Not at all. Why should I feel so? It is true that I am the sister of Sriramulu and am part of his family. But the fact that the party chose me for the byelection is enough to prove that I have my own identity. People have been receiving me as a former MP. Moreover, we are fighting the elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, State BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa, and my brother. I am with them and we are all together. Under these circumstances, I cannot think that I am ignored in public life.
What has been your contribution to the development of Ballari district as MP of Ballari? The Congress says that you hardly spoke in Parliament.
The charge is baseless. I did my best in getting the four-laning of NH 63 between Ballari and Ankola cleared. Tenders were called for implementation of work, but they had to be cancelled because of non-participation of the executing agencies. I have vociferously supported the Women’s Reservation Bill, and I am second or third in terms of posing questions in the Lok Sabha.
What are your plans if elected as MP ?
My plan is to give thrust to getting drinking water projects sanctioned and providing irrigation facilities to the parched lands in Sandur, Kudligi and Hagari Bommanahalli taluks, which are prone to drought.
In addition to this, I will give importance to rejuvenation of tanks and improvement of roads in rural areas as well as Ballari city. I am committed to the development of the district and will do my best on that front.
