Women bear the brunt of civic issues in our society, says Vasuki

Madurai West candidate for the PWF-DMDK Front U Vasuki, 59, has been on the trail for a few weeks, drumming up support. A long-time AIDWA member, she has a track record as a women's rights activist. Both her parents were MLAs, and Vasuki herself believes that she will be able to fight for causes she cares deeply about with more effectiveness as a member of the legislative assembly.Excerpts from an interview
You are seen as an outsider contesting in Madurai. How do you feel?
I do not see myself as an outsider, my party (CPM) is known for fielding candidates outside their hometowns and winning. Even my father won twice, while contesting in places outside our hometown. CPM is a party which believes in its own strength and not family ties. There is an FIR pending against me in the Tallakulam police station, which is proof that I am not an outsider. When I am MLA, I will rent a house in Madurai West.
In 2014, you contested the Lok Sabha elections, which seem a better fit for the issues you usually raise. Do you think you can achieve much for women's rights as an MLA?
There are many things related to women's issues that have to be addressed at state level like the defunct State Women's Commission. When it comes to civic issues, though we look at them generally, in our patriarchal society, it is the woman who bears the brunt of major problems like shortage of drinking water. These have to be dealt with.
You've been leading protests like the Uthapuram demonstration for temple entry for dalits. Will the caste factor affect your votes?
No. That is a specific issue. There is a lot more that needs to be done for all sections of people. Women, for instance, are divided by caste and class. When our front comes to power, we will ensure that all labourers have a minimum monthly wage of 15,000. SHGs will be given loans for less interest and the minimum wage for the rural employment generation scheme will be enhanced from 203 to 250.
What do you plan to do immediately for Madurai West?
Tackle the drinking water problem on a war footing.