Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Asha lakra is a surprise entry in the elections for the Mayor’s post in the State Capital where hectic lobbying was on to get the saffron brigade’s sponsorship. A graduate from Kartik Oraon College, Gumla, and B.Ed from Vinoba Bhave University, she is pursuing her doctorate from Nilambar Pitambar University. She was married in 2010 to a businessman Rajendra Dhan, who had been brutally killed by extremists in 2012. Her passion for ensuring a quality urban life for city residents was evident from her words. After filing her nomination for the mayor’s post on Tuesday, lakra, in an interview with the Pioneer unveiled her plan for the capital city if Ranchiites chose her to head Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC). Excerpts:
What makes you the best candidate for the Mayor’s postIJ
Strong will power, good managerial skill, influencing orator and bold character differentiate me from other candidates. I have a habit to stand for the right cause and to oppose the wrong doers. May be my hard work and true dedication for the party gave me this position.
What brought you in politicsIJ
Right from my childhood I wanted to work for the welfare of the people but being a small town girl (Ghaghra in Gumla district) it was like a dream only. My father, Haricharan Bhagat, a retired police officer, supported me to give wing to my dream and sent me here for my higher education. In the year 1990, I joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) which gave me a platform to express my ideologies and aspirations. After working for around ten years for students’ welfare, I decided to make efforts for the welfare of the society. I joined the BJP women wing in 2010 under the presidentship of Smriti Irani (Human Resource Department Minister) and now I am here.
What are your agendasIJ
My prime concern is to address the city’s perennial problems and develop the state capital into a well planned city by providing basic amenities such as proper drainage and sewerage system, quick disposal of piled up garbages and clean drinking water for all. Besides, women safety and security also top my priorities.
How will you implement your plans if votedIJ
If voted, I have a plan to first conduct a meeting with the officials of entire department to go through the nerves of problems and then plan accordingly. I believe in action rather than words and I want my action to speak for me.
What are your challengesIJ
Developing the capital city into a well planned and organized city and bringing deteriorating law and order back on track is the biggest challenge for me. Besides, to improve civic body work culture and cleanse the corruption from the system which has taken roots is also on the list.