The right of a woman to live with dignity has always been at crossroads with society’s norms. Especially in the hinterlands of UP, where the birth of a girl child is still a stigma, a woman’s dignity lies simply in survival; survival by subjugating to men and society, in that order.
But Tara defied it. Right from the time of her birth when she was about to be killed, she chose to live, not merely survive. Her clothes, hairstyle, relationships, career choice… at every stage of her life she chose to debunk the men and society who tried to shackle her, demean her, defeat her.
In defiance, she found her dignity; In defiance, she discovered her new norm. And before her detractors could know, Tara became the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. It is said behind every successful man there is a woman. In Tara’s case, there was a man, Master Surajbhan.
A bike-riding tomboy known for her brash, blunt and outspoken attitude, Tara was among the most popular students of the local Degree College. A twist of fate in Tara’s life made her realize the injustice prevalent in the society and led to a chance encounter with Master Surajbhan, an idealistic politician, who had just floated a political party working for the downtrodden and socially marginalised people. Masterji realised the rebellious streak in Tara could be channelled into a constructive force, working for the welfare of people. He took her under his wings and started training her.
Thus began Tara’s journey and growth in the world of politics, where women aren’t really accepted and permitted. From doing small jobs for Masterji, she learned the ropes of politics from him and impressed him with her inputs and insight on how to increase the party’s reach among masses. After closing a difficult negotiation for the party which resulted in their win in the elections, Masterji decided to appoint her as the CM against the wishes of other senior party members.
What follows is how Chief Minister Tara dealt with the power, won the hearts of millions of people by her work and also outfoxed the opposition which tried to kill her.
