Patna, Feb. 23: She is an MLA and also a caring mother.

Anu Shukla, the MLA who entered the political arena in the 2010 Assembly elections, was today found serving food at the annexe building of the Bihar Legislative Assembly to 50 schoolchildren, who were invited by the state government to witness the Assembly proceedings.

Anu is the JD (U) MLA from Lalganj, whose husband Munna Shukla was implicated in the murder case of former minister Brij Bihari Prasad. Munna is serving a life sentence in Muzaffarpur jail.

Anu, wearing a blue sari and pearl necklace, took pleasure while serving food to the children of Gorakh Nath Surya Dev Ucha Vidyalaya, Vaishali and S.S. Dayal Ucha Vidyalaya of Hajipur division.

“It gives me immense pleasure when I serve food to children. I am a mother of two daughters, so I can understand the satisfaction they get when a woman serves them food. Being an MLA, most of the time, I am busy with people of my constituency but I don’t let my children feel my absence. Whenever I get time, I am there with them.”

The MLA became nostalgic while recalling days spent with her husband.

She said: “When it comes to food, Vijdhayakji (Munna) is very particular. He loves food prepared by me. Though we have maids at home, food is always prepared by me especially saag (spinach) and fish, which he liked a lot. He always praised me for the delicious food and his appreciation kept me going. I continue with my passion for cooking even after becoming an MLA.”

When asked about whether her choice of the food was served or not, Anu said: “I am here to have food with the children and it does not mean that I will get food of my choice. Whatever they are having, I will have the same. On top of it, it’s my privilege to share the dinning table with the children.”

When Rajnish Kumar of Gorakh Nath Surya Dev Ucha Vidyalaya was asked about the MLA, he said: “I have never heard her name but we are liking it that an MLA is serving food to us. The best part is she is asking us again and again whether we want something more or not. This makes us feel at home. The food is tasty, too.”

Anu served food to all the children and enjoyed the vegetarian meal with them. She said she would love to do it again if given an opportunity.