PALAKKAD : In a brief interaction with TNIE, T N Sarasu, the BJP candidate in Alathur, talks about the surprise surrounding her candidature, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s subsequent call, her ordeal as principal of Victoria College, and the progress of her campaign.
You received a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day after your candidature was announced. How did you feel?
It was an amazing experience. He asked me about my vision for the constituency. He promised stringent action to clean up the cooperative bank sector. The PM also enquired about the issues that I faced at Victoria College during my tenure as principal.
SFI prepared a symbolic graveyard for you at Victoria College on the day of your retirement. Eight SFI activists were arrested in connection with the incident. Do you still hold a grudge?
Never. They are my students and I have forgiven them for their mistakes. Some left-leaning teachers, with the support of SFI, worked against me. But there was a section of teachers who supported my work. I was part of all the development work at the college, where I served for 23 years.
You take on sitting MP Ramya Haridas and minister K Radhakrishnan in Alathur. What’s on your mind?
What kind of development has the constituency seen? How much has been spent here over these years? Most of what has been ploughed in has been central funds, and yet she took credit for them. Moreover, what development plan does CPM have? What have they been doing since 2016? BJP has a development agenda, and we will implement it.
Your candidature was a surprise. How did it come about?
Nearly a month back, BJP state president K Surendran sought my bio data. I even heard other names being bandied around. But to my surprise, the BJP announced my name. I am delighted that Modi picked me.
How is your campaign progressing?
The political atmosphere has changed a lot in the last decade. The impact of the BJP government is visible everywhere. People have welcomed me as part of their families. It’s all to do with the Modi impact. Most importantly, my students are also coming out to back my campaign.