Kandhamal is Odisha’s most backward district. The region is tribal dominated and has been in the news for all the wrong reasons including Maoism and attacks on Dalits and Adivasis. Kandhamal’s MP Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh belongs to the erstwhile Nepal royal family and was elected to the Lok Sabha last year following the death of her husband.
In an exclusive interview to Senior Editor Sharad Gupta, she underscored women’s empowerment, the uplift of tribals and communal harmony as her priority areas. Excerpts from their conversation.
You husband was elected to the Lok Sabha and almost without warning, you had to fight an election. When your husband was MP and was active in politics, did you ever go on political campaigns with him?
Prior to the Lok Sabha election my husband contested from Nayagarh Assembly. Since then I have been going on political tours and have met lots of people. I have visited most parts of the region. Certainly, a lot of things happen when we meet people, which can never be realized sitting at home. My husband had many dreams for developing Kandhamal. I am trying to walk in his footsteps and realize his dreams gradually.
The prime minister has initiated various schemes including ujwalta Yojna (free LPG cylinder), free LED lights. What is the response of the people?
Central government projects sanctioned No, there was some misunderstanding about religious conversion. Now everything is fine. We go to church and everybody gathers to celebrate Christmas.
Share with us something about your childhood?
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