In a candid interview to MiD DAY, Bal Thackeray's daughter-in-law talks about her decision to join the Congress. Speaking to Sanjeev Devasia, Smita also shows her fondness for Nitin Gadkari and Raj Thackeray

What brought you to Delhi?
There are various reasons; I was keen to meet Sonia Gandhi, to congratulate her on the Women's Reservation Bill. Besides, I wanted to seek help for a forum working for women across the country, from various people including those in the party and the government. I want to take help from the local government too.


Smita Thackeray during an interview with MiD DAY at Ramda Plaza Hotel
in New Delhi on Thursday.u00a0PIC/RAJEEV TYAGI

What does this forum do? What are its activities?
The Smita Thackeray Forum (STF) is working among women on issues like domestic violence and female foeticide and has charted out programmes like Swavlambhi Yojana and Annapoorna Yojana. A rally held as part of the Forum's programmes saw a lot of support from Muslim women. I mention Muslim women, because there is a lot of apprehension regarding my surname. Besides, we work for all women, regardless of caste, language or religion.