Another criticism is that thanks to your preoccupation with your children, you haven't been able to devote adequate time to your work as MP and to your constituency.
If that is so, then I have to say I am guilty. But I don't think I'll change that, because I have to balance my life between my family and my constituency. I'm trying to do the best I can. I don't think any woman, and I think I am speaking for all women, will not do justice to her job if she has a family.
Women are multi-taskers and are well equipped to handle family responsibilities and their jobs. Most working women know what I am talking about. Of course, they need a lot of support from their family, which I have with my husband.
I have always said my priority is my children. I brought them into this world and I feel it is a duty for me as a mother, my husband as a father, to give them the best we can and to mould them into good human beings.
If I fail to do that, then nothing else means anything to me, I have failed in my life.
What kind of change would you like this election cycle to bring?
It is important that people select the right kind of representatives. The kind of atmosphere that is prevalent in our country today, especially during elections, is terrible.
There is so much communalism -- even so-called secular parties have started speaking a communally-coloured language.
People are asking for votes in terms of religion. Someone says I am a Hindu, so Hindus should vote for me. Another asks for votes because he is a Muslims; still others talk of being a Marathi manoos...
Also see: North Indians will sideline you: Raj Thackeray tells Marathi manoos | India Votes 2009
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