Meet Thota Anusha - AP's 'skater-turned-sarpanch'

"Villagers voting for a woman like me itself is a sign that they are ready for development. People accepted the change of power when they accepted a woman," said Anusha.

Anusha said she will show how development will be different when an educated woman does it and noted that the villagers are waiting to see that.

According to the new-generation sarpanch, who left her village for bigger towns for education and participating in sports, there is so much to develop at the village level.

"As a sportsperson, I have played at the national and international level on behalf of the country. I have seen how development is at the national level and city level, finally what we all know is that it is very good if we develop at the village level itself," said Anusha.

However, she said most of the educated people are of the mindset that they have to go out of their native places for development.

The new Orvakal sarpanch said that the available resources and education will pave the way for the required development in the villages.

"I will never disappoint the faith reposed in me by the people. I will fight for resources and funds," said Anusha, one of the many youngsters who took the political plunge in the recent Panchayat polls.

Though she is well educated, Anusha chose not to go after a regular job and said that she feels that such a move will only lead to self-development, compared to doing service as a leader.

"When we have leadership qualities, we should lead from the front for service," she said.

After winning the election with support from the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), the skater-turned-politician went around the Panchayat thanking people.

Anusha also thanked her husband and in-laws for their support in her political foray. (IANS/1 day ago) https://www.newkerala.com/andhra-pradesh-news.php