Women MPs in LS score low on debate

Sarika Singh Baghel, a first-time MP from Hathras in UP, has never asked a question or participated in a debate in the Lok Sabha.

Sarika Singh Baghel, a first-time MP from Hathras in UP, has never asked a question or participated in a debate in the Lok Sabha.

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Baghel, 30, has quiet company in four other women MPs. With 92% attendance, there is no apparent reason for her lack of participation. She is a Dalit who represents the RLD and has a Masters degree in English. She is also a member of the standing committee on health and family welfare.

Even as the chorus for the Women reservation bill grows (passed in Rajya Sabha a day after Women’s day last year), the silence of some elected MPs derails the argument for the demand.

The four others yet to make their presence felt vocally are Rajesh Nandini Singh (53) of the Congress, Tabassum Hasan (40) of the BSP, Vijayashanti (44) of the TRS, Putul Kumari, an inde-pendent elected from Banka in Bihar — all first timers in 15th LS.

Some, like Vijayashanti, are late bloomers. Though recording a measly 11% attendance, Vijayashanti stole the Telangana show by pulling off seven adjournments in single day last week.