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Krishna Byre Gowda, Congress candidate from Bangalore South, calls his techie-wife Meenakshi a radio station because she loves chattering. In an exclusive interview, she tells MiD DAY how they fell in love in the US, and why he's in politics
Meenakshi Sheshadri, Krishna Byre Gowda's better half, is everything the wife of a candidate for Bangalore (South) should be. She's young, she's a techie, she was born and brought up at her parents' house on R V Road and even has a bit of politics running in her blood â her grandfather H S Seetharam was mayor of Bangalore.
Meenakshi, 34, is no doormat either, taking an active part in the campaigning process. Here, she tells us about her first meeting with Krishna, how love blossomed and why she's not complaining about her husband spending so much time away from home. Excerpts:
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Two and tree: Meenakshi and her husband Krishna Brye Gowda at a recent tree planting event | MiD DAY: Yours is a love marriage. Do you remember your first meeting?
Meenakshi Sheshadri: Yes, very much. We met in Washington when we were students of American University. He was studying international relations while I was a student of computer science. It was just a formal introduction and there was nothing special. The friendship developed gradually from there.
Who proposed?
I must say both. It was a gradual process and there was no need to declare at a particular point of time that I loved him or he liked me. There was a mutual understanding and we spoke about marriage and everything was fine.
How long after your first meeting did you get married?
Maybe a year.
What did you see in him?
His simplicity. He is a down-to-earth person without any hangovers. He never gives big talk. I am a chatterbox when compared to him.
He was not a politician when you married. Would you have still liked him if he was one?
That's a tricky question. My answer is: 'I don't know'. But seriously, what he is does not matter to me. His basic personality is important and I must say I am lucky to have chosen the right personality.
Politics has come to be seen as a dirty game and politicians are looked down upon. Do you regret the fact that your husband is a politician?
Yes, politics has become a dirty game these days. But, Krishna Byre Gowda has come as a change. He is a class apart, thanks to his integrity, discipline and honesty. He is a ray of hope and can inspire sensible, educated and young people to join politics and give it some dignity. The volunteers working for him are the indicators. Young IT professionals are campaigning for him and this is the change we are seeing in the poll scene this time.
I am happy to be Krishna's wife and I am proud of him.
How much time does he have for you?
I must say, very less. But I am not unhappy. He is doing a good job. My duty is to support him. While most people safeguard their private life, somebody has to work for society. Krishna belongs to the second category. Yes, my family life is taking a beating but I have to take it.
So, you have a sense of sacrifice?
No, it is not a sense of sacrifice. It is a sense of involvement which gives me a sense of satisfaction. It's my duty to support him. After these elections, I may do some consultancy work that allows me time with Krishna.
When do you plan to have children?
Not planned, actually. Not in the near future, at least. Life has become hectic, duties are mounting and we have no time for such plans.
How about your job? Will you continue?
I don't think I can continue with the job.
Did you know about Byre Gowda, Krishna's father, before marriage?
I did. Krishna used to tell me about his family. But as I was away in the US, I was not aware of the political situation here.
Byre Gowda was known to be short-tempered as he was an honest minister. At times, he would beat officers.
How is Krishna when angry?
I haven't seen him short-tempered. When he is angry, he remains silent. I am left with no option but to leave him alone till he recovers.
Your tech expertise has come in handy during the campaign...
Definitely. We could reach out to educated voters in a short span only because of technology. In future, technology will be inevitable in politics. Apart from technology, I also help him with current affairs and news. He calls me BBC because of that, and I talk a lot!
What you call him?
No nickname.
What does he like to eat?
He's a very simple eater, and a strict vegetarian. He has fruits and milk every morning.
Krishna is seen as Rahul Gandhi's blue-eyed boy. How did this come about?
Rahul is a young leader with vision. He has revolutionised the youth Congress not only in Karnataka but has spotted and encouraged young talent in other states too. Krishna is young and well educated, so they are on the same wavelength.
How is their friendship out of politics?
Rahul is Krishna's boss. It is a cordial and friendly relationship.
Have you met Rahul?
Yes, he is very nice.
They say Krishna was chosen to be the candidate because he is a Vokkaliga and you are Brahmin, and the combination suits the constituency profile?
Believe me, they didn't know about my caste. Krishna was chosen out of merit.
Politics is in your blood also. Your grandfather was Bangalore mayor.
Yes, my grandfather H S Seetharam had earned a good name as the mayor.
Are you hopeful of Krishna's win?
I am hopeful. If young and educated people come out to vote, he will definitely win. I believe in God. Let us hope for the best.
Meenakshi through the years
>>School: Home School, Basavanagudi
>>PUC: Mount Carmel College
>>Bachelor's in computer science: BMSCE, Basavanagudi
>>Masters degree in computer science: American University
>>Working with: CGI Information Systems, Electronic City
>>Hobby: Yoga | 
