TURA, Oct 20: She is often taunted for being a misfit within the group hoping to change their political fortunes, on account of her being a woman, but for Congress candidate Hashina Yasmin Mondal this is her biggest strength.
As the only woman participant among a list of five candidates in this by-election necessitated by the untimely demise of her husband and sitting Congress legislator, Dr. Azad Zaman, Hashina Mondal has her bearings in place.
On a day of scheduled hectic electioneering cut short by the retreating monsoon rains that has disrupted the campaign scenario in Rajabala for most of Tuesday and Wednesday, as incessant rains confined candidates and supporters to their respective bastions, Hashina took time out to speak to The Shillong Times over her political fortunes, her late husband’s dreams and the aspirations of her constituents in a constituency that is deprived of good roads, better education facilities and healthcare, and above all jobs for the rising number of unemployed youth.
Excerpts from the interview:
ST: How has this election campaign been in comparison to the earlier one when your late husband had contested?
Hashina: In 2018, my husband had campaigned seeking the people’s support and they overwhelmingly gave it. This time, I am filling in the shoes to fulfil his unfinished dream for the development of Rajabala.
ST: What is the burning issues plaguing Rajabala Constituency?
Hashina: Everyone knows that Rajabala has been neglected for years. It was only after my late husband won that he began the work of getting development. He started multiple programmes aimed at uplifting the poor by providing CGI tin sheets for roofing to the poor households, helping health care by allotting tube wells so that people no longer have to depend on unsafe water for drinking.
Most of all, we have always focussed on women empowerment which is why we started the programme to provide sewing machines so that girls could be trained in tailoring and embroidery that will help them economically.
Dr Azad’s sudden passing away was a huge loss for the people of Rajabala, but despite all challenges, I have been keeping his dream alive and ensuring work continues. Even as late as January and February of this year, we managed to release some of the project for empowering girls and women.
ST: Your rival from the NPP claims that their government has done ‘tremendously’ well in terms of development, and on a recent campaign, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma even went to the extent to claim that his government allocated the highest number of road projects. What is your reply?
Hashina: Ask the people of Rajabala and they will tell you the truth. Visit Rajabala and you will see the kind of living condition we have to endure because of bad roads which the NPP government claims to have made.
ST: Have you or your supporters faced any intimidation from your opponents, given that you are the only lady candidate?
Hashina: I have not faced any such threats but I am told my supporters in some areas have come across this. For example, yesterday, I visited Rajpur area of Rajabala which is our support base, and there people came forward to complain that threats and intimidation are being thrown on them by our opponents. Complaints have been made that voters are being threatened with eviction from their land and even transfer in government jobs if they vote for us. I plan to take up this matter with the Election Commission.
ST: From what you say it seems they are threatened by your presence in the contest?
Hashina: Of course they will be, after all I am a woman and a widow. I will not be threatened. I don’t count them, who are contesting against me, as my enemies. I treat them equally as brothers. When I have the support of the public and my opponents are brothers, why should I fear?
ST: Have core issues been the theme of this campaign or has money power crept in?
Hashina: All these years of campaign, there was never any issue with money power. But in the last two elections, this has become a major problem. This is being encouraged by those who come from outside and aspire to be leaders. People of Rajabala are not like that. They will not be swayed by it.
ST: Your main rival, the NPP, says it is pointless to vote for a candidate in the opposition benches. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma even says that a vote for NPP is a vote for Rajabala’s development. What is your take on this?
Hashina: This is a statement that is being used by my opponent and his party. But I want to make one thing clear, it is not the government but the MLA of the Constituency who knows the burning issues and can take up the problems with the government.
My husband was in the opposition when he got elected, but it never deterred him from providing for the people of the constituency. People have so much of fond memories of him because he connected with the people. He shared their joys and sorrows. He was part of the people which is why they never forget him. After all, it’s a leader who makes the difference, not the government itself.