Employment and empowerment are my agenda: Anita Sakuru

An MBA graduate from Kellogg School of Management and former director of Kenexa India, which was recently acquired by Microsoft, Anita Sakuru dabbled into politics. Fondly called ‘Anitakka’, the woman entrepreneur was a vocal opponent of use of money and liquor in elections and had canvassed against the use of it prior to the polls. Anita Sakuru is niece of Rajyam Sinha, a freedom fighter, whose husband was a close aide of Subash Chandra Bose. She expressed confidence of her chances in the Bheemunipatnam (Bhimili), where she is contesting as an independent.

You hogged the headlines, with your campaign in the city and suburbs of Visakhapatnam against the use of money and liquor before the polls. Do you think that your campaign will help you win the elections?

Being gullible for money and liquor is the very reason, why honest people are staying out of politics and the corrupt are in the assembly and parliament. I have campaigned against that from December; this has made me a household name among women and women groups. I have continued the same as part of my campaign. Even if five per cent stop taking money and vote for conscience that is a personal victory for me.

You seem to have a natural way to attract women and young voters. How key are they in the polls?

Women and youth play key role in any election, this time even more as they are a huge number of first time voters. The task on hand is to get them to the polling station and make them vote. I have campaigned to encourage youth and women to vote, and I am hoping that it will reflect in the polls.

You expected a ticket from TDP, but were denied. You are contesting as an independent and as a rebel against Ganta Srinivasa Rao. How difficult was it to arrive at the decision to contest as independent?

I have worked as TDP aspirant for Visakhapatnam parliament seat. The seat has been offered to BJP as an alliance partner. I have not been offered anything or haven't been contacted for any future assurances. I had two choices in front of me; to continue to work for the party without expecting anything or to contest as an independent. I chose latter because I want to assure people who supported me that I can stand up for them and protect their needs. Winning or losing doesn’t matter. I pledge my support and will be available to women of the constituency during and after elections. I will continue to make plans for training youth in the area to prepare them for jobs in the future. I am hoping to get a significant women and youth voters who vote for candidate rather than a party.

You are a newbie when it comes to electioneering, how is the experience?

The response from people is overwhelming; they have welcomed me with open hands. My promises and agenda are simple; if elected I will be working for the effective implementation of Central and state government schemes; will strive to bring companies to Visakhapatnam to enhance job opportunities for the youth. On women empowerment front, I will strive to bring micro and mini industries for women employment.

You are a successful entrepreneur, why dabble into politics?

I have been involved in various social activities right from childhood. The reason for entry into politics is to contribute to democracy and the electioneering process and more than all a larger platform to serve people in a bigger way.