Balangir: Adding glamour quotient to panchayat elections in the district, established model Priyanka Nanda is contesting for sarpanch post of Chudapali panchayat under Patnagarh block.
Speaking to the media on her experience about the switch from glitz and glamour to dust and sweat of villages, Priyanka said it is, indeed, a new experience for her but she is enjoying every moment of it.
She was candid enough to admit that it is a tough job compared what she has been doing. “From education to career, I have spent my life outside. So, it is all new for me. But I have taken it as a challenge. Besides, I always enjoy whatever I do, be it modelling or campaigning,” she said.
On her campaigning style, the winner of Miss India Style Icon 2020 contest said since she believes in honesty, she is telling the people that it is her first attempt in rural politics. But they should believe in her ability to work for them and trust in her ability considering her education and family background.
On the hardship faced by her, Priyanka said, “I can bear it as I have ‘junoon’ (drive) to do something for my village and panchayat. I’m very passionate about it. Besides, I have full support from my friends and relatives and have gained public support in very few days.”
On what made her decide to make a switch from glamour to rural politics, she said, “Honestly, I had never thought of contesting in elections. During a visit to my village on vacation last year, my family members and villagers told me to contest in panchayat elections. I thought it is the best opportunity to make a switch-over and do something for the people.”
“Since my childhood I have been wanting to see development of my village. In fact, during my student and professional career, I made it a point to come here regularly. Though I am labelled as an outsider, I remain connected to my village,” she said.
On why she selected sarpanch post to contest in the panchayat elections, Priyanka said she wanted to start her political career from grassroots level and the panchayat is the best platform to start one’s of political career.
About her rival’s campaign against her, she admitted that the opposition has called her as an outsider. “They are saying that I would forget the electorate after getting elected and would get back to her modelling world. But how can I go away after being elected to a responsible post? I have never shirked my responsibility and will never do it,” she said with a firm voice.
Despite criticism and negative campaign against her, Priyanak, like a professional politician, was all smile and wished her competitor all the best in the election, on a parting note.
