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I have not found it difficult to find an equilibrium between family and politics. I am clear about my priorities. My primary focus is my children.
Dimple Yadav has been a revelation this election season, emerging from the shadow of the elders in the Samajwadi Party and stepping out in support of her husband, Akhilesh Yadav. Dimple, the Lok Sabha member from Kannauj, has for the first time addressed rallies on her own. For someone who has rarely spoken in Parliament, and who once exclaimed, “Oh, I am so nervous!” when she fumbled while addressing a function, this is a huge development. Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
How is the campaign going?
The response is exhilarating. There is a lot of excitement among people, especially the youth. There is a lot of expectation from the leadership of Akhileshji.
This is your first time campaigning alone.
Yes, I have addressed about 20 rallies so far. I had to pitch in as there was not enough time to campaign. We felt it would be good if I could campaign separately to take Akhileshji’s message to the people, especially in constituencies where women candidates are contesting.
Are you enjoying it?
I am really enjoying it. The turnout at the rallies is quite good. In fact, my husband remarked that my rallies were getting bigger crowds than his.
It must be a learning experience.
Definitely. I used to run away from speaking. However, in the rallies, I don’t feel that I am in the midst of strangers, and that is because of the support I am getting from the crowd.
What issues are you talking about in your campaign?
My message to the people is that this is a crucial election, and it is important that they make the right choice. I am telling them about the work our government has done. There is a lot more to be done and, for that, Akhileshji needs another chance.
The family has gone through tough times recently.
Yes, the past few months have been extremely stressful. It was a difficult time, but we have come out of the crisis stronger.
How did Akhilesh Yadav feel about what was happening?
It affected him a lot. He told me that it all felt very unreal, like a dream. He could not believe that it was actually happening. However, those days are now over, and calm has returned.
Was there a breakdown of communication between Mulayam and Akhilesh?
No, never. They never stopped talking. Even on the day the manifesto was released, Akhileshji went to meet his father and sought his blessings.
Did you act as a mediator?
I made an effort to keep the communication going. But it was an extremely trying time, especially because it was not just a family issue but also a political one. It was extremely complicated.
Were your children affected by what was happening?
They are extremely fond of their grandfather and he is extremely fond of them. They met him and spent time with him even as the family was going through a tense period. He is especially fond of my son. He can make his grandfather agree to things even my husband cannot.
You are said to have played a key role in the formation of the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance.
What is important is that the alliance is in place, and it is good for the future of Uttar Pradesh. The alliance was important because there was some confusion in the minds of the people, and after the two parties came together, that confusion was over.
How do you see Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Vadra, as leaders?
They are young and have a vision for the country. Like Akhileshji, their priority is working for the youth and ensuring that their aspirations are met.
How many times have you met Priyanka?
I have met her only once; when I got married. She was a guest.
Do you foresee the alliance continuing till the 2019 Lok Sabha elections?
I cannot comment on what the future holds for the alliance. However, it will be good if the alliance carries on.
What do you have to say about the political aptitude of your sister-in-law Aparna Yadav?
Aparna is good. But questions about her have to be directed to her. This is my interview.
How has Akhilesh Yadav evolved as a politician?
Oh, he has evolved a lot. He is a leader with a vision. He sincerely wants to establish an infrastructure that will help the youth realise their dreams. If he comes across a good project anywhere in the world, he starts thinking about how to do the same in Uttar Pradesh.
Do you see him as a future prime minister?
He is very clear about keeping his focus on Uttar Pradesh.
Can we say that you are becoming more political by the day?
It is not like I am becoming political. I am learning right now. In fact, even today, if possible, I will run away from it.
So you did not want to get into politics?
No, not at all. I come from a very different background. My father was in the Army. I had no understanding of politics, of caste equations, of what elections are all about. However, I am a Lok Sabha member and have lost one election and won two. I am part of it now.
How difficult is it to find a balance between family and politics?
I have not found it difficult to find an equilibrium between the two. I am very clear about my priorities. My primary focus is my children. I want them to have a normal childhood and be grounded. And, of course, I will help my husband whenever he needs me.
You are said to be Mulayam Singh’s favourite daughter-in-law. Do you discuss politics with him?
No, I don’t discuss politics with him. But he likes to tell us stories drawn from his own political experience.
Have you met him since the crisis in the family broke out?
Of course, I have met him. However, I have not been able to meet him for the last fortnight or so because we have all been campaigning.
What are the three things that should be on top of the agenda if the Samajwadi Party forms government again?
I feel the government should prioritise the issues of women and children. I feel schemes meant for pregnant women should be given priority. Nutrition for women and children should be given importance. Also, education and skill development are key to the state’s development. The handicrafts of the state, which are so rich and diverse, should be promoted.
What do you like to do in your leisure time?
I like to spend some quiet time in the midst of nature. I am very happy just taking a walk in the garden and admiring flowers. I like to go out with my family, and be in a place where we can spend time as a normal family.
Do you like to cook?
I learned how to cook after I got married. And I used to cook for the family, especially my husband, who is a foodie. Now, I do not get that much time to cook. In fact, now my elder daughter has started cooking, and she is giving me quite a complex. She bakes amazing cakes.
What is your favourite cuisine?
I like simple food; rajma chawal is my favourite. I also like south Indian fare. I am also very fond of the dals that are made in Garhwal, where I come from. I have the different kinds of beans that are found only in the hills sent to me.
Are there any plans of taking a break after the results are announced?
We are keeping our fingers crossed for the results. We will make plans after the results come out.
