My candidature decided by CM, I never asked for it, says Geetha Mahadev Prasad

“Everything is fair in love and war as long as it does not hurt the feelings of others. But the comments of BJP leaders against me and my family cannot be tolerated,” remarked Geetha Mahadev Prasad, wife of former minister late H.S. Mahadev Prasad, who is contesting on the Congress ticket from Gundlupet, represented by her husband for over two decades. The bypoll will be held on April 9.

Despite the hectic poll campaign, Geetha took time off to talk to Deccan Chronicle on her plunge into politics after her husband passed away recently. Excerpts from the interview.

What made you enter politics?
The sudden death of my husband was a rude shock to me. A month after this happened, a function was held in Gundlupet in his remembrance. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who was present, asked the 35,000 strong crowd who should be given the party ticket for the bypoll. The crowd in one voice proposed my name. My candidature was decided by the CM and other state leaders, I never asked for it. Ironically, three days after the last rites of my husband, some newspapers carried reports that I had expressed my willingness to contest the election. I am not so heartless to think about entering politics 72 hours after my husband's demise.

We heard that you were a union leader during your college days. Is it true?
Yes, I was class leader from nursery till high school. I was made class representative while studying at Maharani College in Mysuru and later became a union leader. My original name is Mohanakumari which was changed to Geetha Mahadev Prasad after my marriage. I was involved in extra-curricular activities and have acted in a number of plays.

Did you get involved in politics when your husband was alive?
No, but I have always kept a tab on political developments. I have never stepped into any village in my husband's constituency all these years except Hullahalli to which I belong. I have never attended political functions in the constituency with my husband. True I was away from the constituency and its people as long as my husband was alive but I am no introvert. I freely mingle with people and I can make a silent crowd break into cheers within minutes.

Have you been targeted by the opposition because you are a woman?
Everything is fair in a battle but it should descend to personal attacks on anyone. Healthy criticism is always welcome in politics but it must not hurt the feelings of others. A BJP leader made a nasty comment that I was after power and wealth. I have everything including money and respect but I don't have my husband now which was greater to me than anything else. I have never travelled in my husband's official car. I used to go in a separate car to buy fruits, vegetables when I was in our house in Bengaluru. The BJP leader may have apologised now for that remark...but what is the point when the damage had already been done? We have a number of high-end cars and are not after the "gootada " car (minister’s car). They should be extra cautious when they make charges against others.

Did state BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa promise to get you elected unopposed from Gundlupet?
I never lie. I have great respect for him and he is a father figure to me. I don't want to comment on this issue anymore.

How has been the response to your campaign in the constituency so far?
The response has been very good and I have earned the love and respect of all communities. My agenda is to complete all pending work in the constituency and make sure the drinking water projects are completed on priority. I want to serve the people of my constituency as my late husband did for over two decades.