Towards the end of her schooling she came in contact with Rashtra Seva Dal - the cultural and social wing of the Socialist Party.
Her inspiration was Sane Guruji and it was RSD that brought her in touch with dynamic leaders like Keshav Gore, a Marathi Brahmin, who mentored the young recruits during the days prior to Independence.
When she was elected MP in 1977, the same election that Indira Gandhi lost, the popular slogan was Paaniwali bai Dilli mein, Dilliwali bai paani mein, meaning the water lady (Mrinal) has reached Delhi (Parliament) but the Delhi lady (Indira Gandhi) is in the water.
She declined the offer of Health Ministry by then Prime Minister Morarji Desai.
Gore was arrested on December 21, 1975 and detained under MISA at Bombay Central Prison.