‘Leaders should be graduates, at least’

PATNA: Anupama Kashyap is the director of a business group that runs hotels, construction companies and gyms. In her 40s, she lives in a joint family of 15 at Boring Road. In an interview with Sheezan Nezami, she shares her views on the political scenario in the state. Excerpts:
Your take on dynastic politics — tickets being given to sons, wives and family members of influential leaders?
This is a fact.Be it any party, tickets to relatives are easily available and in the process the right candidate, who has shed sweat at the ground level, is ignored. This sends a bad message about the party, and it should not happen.
Should there be minimum qualification for politicians and retirement age?
Definitely. I am not saying that a research scholar should contest the election, but at least our leaders should be graduate. An educated person would understand the problems of society in a much better way, and his style of functioning will also be superior. As far as retirement age is concerned, I can give them the cap of 70.
What is your expectation from the new government?
My first priority would be crime- and corruption-free Bihar. Our state’s image is not good in other parts of India, though it (the actual situation) is not so bad. We need some branding too, so that people visit Bihar and feel proud of it. Actually, the term ‘Bihari’ is seen negatively. That really hurts me. Another thing which the government should focus on is to keep Patna clean.
With so many parties in the fray, do you think it will be a multi-cornered contest or it is a direct fight between NDA and Mahagathbandhan?
It is a straight fight between the Mahagathbandhan and NDA.
These are the two alliances we all discuss about, rest are there only in newspapers. Go to interior parts of Bihar, people are not aware of any new party.
With Congress getting 41 seats to contest, will this election see its revival in Bihar?
This is like a golden opportunity for the Congress in Bihar. If it does not prove itself in this election, then in future, they will have no space in Bihar politics.
Is this a fight between Nitish and NaMo or Lalu will emerge as the mass leader?
This election is all about Nitish and NaMo. Actually, it is a direct fight between them, though they have support of their party and allies. For common people, it is all about Nitish and NaMo.