Exporter jumps into fray to develop Sangam

“During my regular visits to Sangam,I realised the pathetic condition of the most sacred place of Hindus. Then I decided to improve its condition,” said Sadhna,explaining what prompted her to choose Allahabad for her political debut. “Since my nomination on March 30,I have covered nearly 400 villages in trans-Yamuna area,met around two lakh people and told them about my aim and asked for their cooperation,” said Sadhna.

“Instead of criticising my opponents,I stressed on telling people my aim — the development of Sangam as a tourist spot and Allahabad as an industrial hub,besides improving the health of the rural populace of the district,” she said.

Unlike major political leaders,Sadhna lacks a crowd following her during her campaigns. But it does not deter from going out and convincing the voters. And her spirit has gradually helped her earn the respect of 50-odd local youths who have been campaigning for her. This journey has,however,not been smooth. “On April 11,the Ghoorpur station officer stopped my vehicle and seized it on the ground that I had put up one small poster on my own vehicle.”

“My repeated requests to the station officer fell on deaf ears. I was to attend a meeting at Nari Bari,35 kms from Ghoorpur. A biker dropped me to a certain place from where I got a tractor and finally reached the venue,” she said. “With money,I could have easily managed a ticket from any political party but I really wanted the people of my constituency to know that I am sincere about their interest,” she said. Asked about her chance against the leaders of major political parties in the fray,she said she is not contesting the election at least this year for a victory. “I am creating a platform this time. Next time,I would surely give a tough fight because now I am going to reside in this district and will manage my business from here,” said Sadhna.

A graduate in Psychology from Kanpur University,Sadhna has a clear vision of what it takes to be in politics. “I am now 47 and have almost successfully discharged my duties as mother.

My elder daughter is settled in California and my son is doing well with an MNC in Saudi Arabia,” she said. “Now I am free from my primary responsibility. I have now decided to serve the people by entering politics.”

A resident of Sainik Farm in New Delhi,she has travelled widely across the world and has visited Canada,Denmark,France,Germany,Malaysia,Italy,Netherlands,Belgium,Sweden,Kuwait,Norway,Vatican City,Switzerland,UK,USA and Russia. She was blessed by Pope John Paul-II in 2005 when she visited Vatican City.