INTERVIEW: People are my strength, not sympathy votes, says Sunitha Gopinath

BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha Gopinath, widow of late MLA Maganti Gopinath, shared her emotional journey into politics ahead of the Jubilee Hills bypoll. In a heartfelt media interaction, she spoke of her husband’s dedication, his quiet battle with illness, and her commitment to continue his work. She dismissed the ‘sympathy vote’ label, asserting that her campaign is rooted in sincerity and public service.

Hyderabad: BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha Gopinath, widow of the late MLA Maganti Gopinath, has opened up about her husband’s legacy, his struggle with illness, and her unexpected entry into politics ahead of the Jubilee Hills bypoll.

In her first candid conversation with the media, she spoke of Gopinath’s selfless nature and her resolve to carry forward his unfinished work.

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Q: Why was Gopinath’s illness kept a secret?

Sunitha: He never liked to talk about his health. He asked me not even to share it with my parents or siblings. He didn’t want the party or cadre to worry. He wanted to face it quietly, on his own.

Q: How was Gopinath’s bonding with people among whom he was popular as ‘Gopanna’?

Sunitha: Since the late NT Rama Rao’s time, everyone called him Gopanna. His life revolved around service. He treated the Jubilee Hills constituency like his own family. He would leave early in the morning, meet people all day, and return home only after finishing his work. That was his life.

Q: What was he like at home?

Sunitha: He sometimes regretted not spending enough time with our children. Even in the hospital, he was worried about us. I always gave him courage and reminded him that his service to people was his greatest strength.

Q: Did you ever imagine entering politics? How do you plan to handle politics?

Sunitha: I never imagined this. But watching him closely taught me everything. I came forward only to complete what he began. His goals are now mine.

Q: What is your strength?

Sunitha: The people. Wherever I go during the campaign, they tell me, “Gopanna did this for us; we will vote for him again.” Their love gives me courage to keep going.

Q: His bond with NTR and BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao is well-known.

Sunitha: NTR treated him with affection and trusted him deeply. He was also very close to KCR, who treated him like a son. When Gopinath passed away, KCR garu cried a lot. That showed their genuine bond. The party stood by us completely, and I will always remain with BRS.

Q: How do you plan to handle challenges and criticism, especially the ‘sympathy vote’ tag given by the Congress ?

Sunitha: I promise to people that I will stand by them just as their Gopanna did. I don’t fear anyone. My victory will not be out of sympathy. It will be for Gopanna’s work and KCR’s welfare schemes. The people of Jubilee Hills know who truly served them. They vote for sincerity and service, not sympathy.