LJP (Ram Vilas)’s 25-year-old debutant Shambhavi: ‘I want to become voice of Dalit women… like Chirag bhaiyya’s focus on Bihar and Biharis’

With your qualifications, why join politics, that too at 25, and not get some work experience under your belt?

I want to be an agent of change. More than working in an NGO, you can change things as a politician, as you get to represent people.

Dynastic politics is being criticised these days, especially by PM Modi, who has attacked the Opposition over it.

I am a Dalit woman. Other women from my community may not have the privilege or opportunity to do what I am doing. I want to become the voice of women, particularly Dalit women. It is true that a political background creates a passage into politics but you have to prove yourself every five years. Else, you will fall irrespective of your political pedigree.

Shambhavi campaigning in the Samastipur constituency. (Express)

What are your plans for the next five years if you win?

I want to focus on my constituency. Many people believe that you should be stationed where Parliament is. I feel that power comes from the people. There is a connectivity problem in Samastipur in terms of roads and highways. I want a polytechnic college for women here. Also important is a focus on agriculture in terms of irrigation, crop insurance and MSP. Another focus will be MNREGA, as there are lots of labourers here.

Why join Chirag Paswan’s LJP, when your father Ashok Choudhary is in the JD(U)?

In current Bihar politics, not many people give the opportunity to young people. We have had a personal relationship with Chirag bhaiyya. I told him I wanted to contest from Samastipur and he gave me a chance. No other party is fielding youngsters, particularly young women. I also like Chirag bhaiyya’s focus on Bihar and Biharis first. In DU, my professor told me I don’t look like a Bihari. It struck me – what should a Bihari look like?

You are a Dalit (Pasi) woman, but your mother is a Brahmin, your husband a Bhumihar. Does that experience of caste diversity within the family change the way you look at society?

I was always very conscious of my caste roots. It has always been with me. I fell in love with a person of a higher caste and we got married. I didn’t even know his caste when we met. It wasn’t important at all. At the same time, my father-in-law (a Bhumihar) has been saying “Dalit Devo Bhavah (Dalit is God)” and has appointed the first Dalit priest in the area.

LJP (Ram Vilas) candidate Shambhavi. (Express)

Your favourite Indian sociologist?

My favourite sociologist is Professor M N Srinivas. He did path-breaking work on caste.

Any hobbies? You may not be able to pursue them if elected…

I’m an animal lover. I want to be in the company of my dogs. I feed 250 stray dogs each day. I like baking and also enjoy watching movies. I do not have favourite actors as such, but I think Vicky Kaushal is very impressive as an actor.