Kanke, Nov. 19: Jaya Bhagat may be the daughter of a former minister in undivided Bihar, but she has chosen to start a possible stint at public life at the village level.

As a contender for the mukhiya's post at Boreya panchyat of Kanke block, she has already begun campaigning, pitching education when everyone around her is talking about roads and water.

"Though I am the daughter of Late Karam Chand Bhagat (education minister in undivided Bihar and an MLA of Mandar for two decades), I have done nothing for society so far," was her frank admission to The Telegraph when asked why she wasn't aiming higher.

"This time, the Boreyamukhiya's post is reserved for scheduled tribe women. Hence, I decided to try my luck. Once I am able to achieve something at my level, I will think further," said Jaya, a PhD (bio-technology) from Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaibagh.

Today, Jaya was campaigning at Boreya Chowk, trying to familiarise local residents with her election symbol of a TV set. She is faced with five rivals.

"There are two government schools in my panchayat. But, they are in bad shape. Being the daughter of a former education minister, this is a shame for me. I will do whatever it takes to improve the condition of the schools,"said the bahu of Boreya who married Dr Vishwanath Oraon, a medical officer at a primary health centre at Patratu, in 2009, a year after her father passed away.

Jaya, a mother of two sons, Kripray (5) and Darshil (6 months), had an eager audience. But many in the crowd did not seem swayed by her talk of education.

"There is a shortage of water in the panchayat. If proper irrigation facility is provided, villagers who produce paddy and vegetables can increase their yield and become rich enough to spend money on the education of their children," said Krishna Sahu while ferrying paddy on a scooty.

"Thus,we expect her to do something towards better roads, drains and water supply."

Sahu had made his point.

Jaya was ready with her counter, explaining she would never abandon development . "Focussing on education does not mean ignoring the basic needs of the locality. Water, drains and roads are common issues which cannot be ignored," she explained.

♦ Boreya panchayat of Kanke block in Ranchi voteson November 22