Janata Dal (Secular) candidate from Bangalore Central Nandini Alva on Tuesday said her dream is to see the reunion of JD(S) and Janata Dal (United).
“My late husband Jeevaraj Alva is my political mentor and JD(S) and JD(U) will come together one day,” Alva said at a programme when asked why she joined JD(S) when her husband, a former minister, was associated with JD(U). The support base of JD(S) in the state, particularly in rural areas, is strong. Its image in urban areas should be improved. “I was identified as capable, clean and courageous,” she said.
“I am not seeking votes as the wife of Jeevaraj Alva. Can people vote differently this time and give women a chance?” she said, also referring to activist Ruth Manorama from Bangalore South.The road to this political commitment has come after 12 years of preparation. A few women enter politics on their own strength. Politics is not as easy as doing business or promoting culture, Alva said.
She said: “Bangalore, one of the fastest growing Asian cities, needs political will to save it from decline. If the city is not balanced in growth, what will we leave behind for our children? Why do we need slums when the Centre has set aside `70,000 crore for slum rehabilitation? Political justice will be a reality only when every citizen joins a political party of their choice. My dream is to see every person as part of a party in order to achieve a sense of ownership, maturity and take part in nation building.”
First-time contestant Alva is up against BJP’s P C Mohan and Congress’ Arshad Rizwan in Bangalore Central, where minorities are a key factor.