In an exclusive interview with The Asian Age, MP Priya Dutt talks about her political career, dad Sunil Dutt, the Opposition Poonam Mahajan and her family, especially the controversy surrounding Sanjay Dutt’s parole.
Considering the time you have spent in politics now, do you think you have turned a veteran?
I never look at myself as a veteran. There is always so much to learn. I think you’re never fully comfortable, you always have new things to learn and understand. When I entered politics, I really did not know anything as my father never brought his politics home. I had to be groomed, so it has truly been a learning experience. Only after being in the system do you realise that it is no cakewalk and that you have to work with certain limitations.
Has the 24x7 media and social media changed politics?
I think there are both positives and negatives to the impact of the social media. Many people have told me that I need to show what I am doing to the public, but I can never project myself. I believe that your work should speak for you. Ultimately, it is the connection with the people that works.
Corporation issues are the most important issues, but the media rarely focuses on them. The MP has very limited funds, but the corporation has enough funds for wards, so the civic body should do the maximum work.
How is your campaign going and what is the strategy at play?
I am meeting as many people and explaining it to them that its is necessary to vote. I also discuss their issues with them, which are mostly civic woes. I have tried to address most in whatever way possible during my tenure. In fact, I have given most of my funds towards building toilets for women, as there is a genuine problem of lack of proper facilities.
What are the difficulties you have faced in politics as a woman? What will you do to address issues faced by women ?
I have not faced any problems in politics on account of my being a woman. Many people have tried, but I am very strong. Over time, women have become more vocal — not only the upper middle class woman, but even those in slums. Everyone wants their children to be educated now. There are not many schools, so our focus again will be elevating the municipal schools to a higher level. We also do a lot of medical camps that focus on women issues.
What are the lessons from your father Sunil Dutt that you have imbibed?
Every day, whatever I do in my life, it is something I have learnt from my father. I would have not been able to survive here had I not followed his footsteps. Watching him, I think the most I learned from him was during his padayatra. At that point, I saw him not as my father, but as another human being. It was a tremendous learning for me to see him connect with the people, and lend his ears to the grievances of the people and then try to solve it for them. However trivial the matter, he would be very patient. It has been eight years since he passed away, but even today, people remember him so fondly. I have also proved that myth wrong that only a son can carry the forward one’s legacy.
Poonam Mahajan, daughter of Pramod Mahajan, is contesting against you. How do you feel about that?
There has always been an opposition. I have no problems at all, I always focus on what I have to do and not bother with who is contesting against me. There is no need for me to get worried about that and lose focus; ultimately it is up to the people to decide. I know her and have met her on a few occasions and we share a good relationship.
How do you balance between your home and professional front?
Balancing the home front with your professional life is the toughest job, but somehow, with the support of my husband, it works out pretty well. This month, being the election month, will be difficult. By the time I reach home, my kids are already asleep. But, I explain it to them by saying that it is like my exams so they will have to be patient with me for a while.
What is the nature of your relationship with Manyata?
All of us are very independent. We live in the same building, but we are all so busy in our lives that we only come together when we have some family function or some work. It’s not that just because I am married, my bond with my siblings has changed. I am always there for bhai, but we give space to each other. I also share a great bond with Manyata.
What do you have to say about Sanjay’s parole controversy?
I would not like to comment on Sanjay’s parole. However, just because the media needs a story and Sanjay is a big name, they have been focusing on it from time to time. Also, people keep saying that Sanju is getting VIP treatment, but I request them to go in and see for themselves what condition he actually lives in.
Do you visit Sanjay in jail?
We are allowed to visit once a month. His family visits whenever allowed. This time I will not be able to meet him. This is the most emotionally testing time for all of us. I try to keep my mind occupied all the time so that I do not think about him in jail. It is only during the nights that it becomes hard for me.
Do you have any message for your constituents and the voters of the country?
I tell everybody that it is important to vote sensibly. Ours is a diverse country and to compare any state with another is just impossible.
Also, we are the largest secular country so we should stop selling negative ideas. It is sad that even the media portrays only negative events. I do not allow my children to read newspapers as they are very negative.
Such a negative outlook needs to be stopped. It is a matter of pride that people across the globe are surprised that being the second largest country, we are able to conduct free and fair elections and have been able to do so for the last 60-odd years.
