Shreyasi and (right) Putul

Patna, Sept. 27: If the sons are ditching their politician-fathers in Bihar, this daughter is taking aim for Commonwealth glory as a tribute to her departed dad while her mother prepares for the electoral battle.

Shreyasi Singh, the daughter of former Janata Dal (United) leader Digvijay Singh, is targeting a medal at the Games, in the news for the infrastructure mess, though the sprightly teenager has been living — and practising — in the Commonwealth village.

Far away, in the family home in Jamui, mother Putul Kumari Singh is gearing up for the polls to carry forward her husband’s unfinished job. “I have decided to contest the Banka seat to fulfil my husband’s dream. He (Digvijay) fought against poverty, deprivation and betterment of life in Banka. I will follow it up,” said Putul, who has decided to contest as an Independent.

Shreyasi had been practising when she had heard about her father’s premature demise at a London hospital on June 24. The news had shattered the 19-year-old, who had left the practice arena, sobbing.

“Later, I thought that I must carry on with the sport which my father loved so much. I am happy that I have been selected to represent India in shooting,” Shreyasi told The Telegraph. “I will try to emerge victorious and win medal for my country,” added the girl who has been a national shooting champion from 2007 to 2009.

Shreyasi, who is also studying for a BA degree in Delhi University, clinched gold in the women’s trap event at the first Junior Shotgun Competition in Finland last year.

Digvijay had an avid interest in the sport. The scion of the Giddhaur royal family, Digvijay was president of the Indian Rifle Association, besides being the union minister of state for external affairs, finance and railways in the erstwhile Chandra Shekhar and Vajpayee governments.

Though Digvijay had won the Banka seat fighting against Nitish and the JD (U), Congress and the RJD, most state parties are unlikely to field a candidate against Putul. Sensing the sympathy that she can draw in the wake of Digvijay’s death, the JD (U) has already announced not to field a candidate against her. The Congress too has decided to support Putul’s candidature in Banka, which votes on November 1.

Lalu Prasad too had declared that his RJD would support Digvijay’s wife on his visit to the departed leader’s Jamui palace after his death.