Gurgaon cheers women taking centre stage in MCG

The symbolism around the three plum posts going to women wasn’t lost on the sitting councillors. Residents’ welfare associations (RWAs), too, cheered the elevation of female councillors to the top posts.

After a prolonged wait of 17 months, Gurgaon, on Friday, got a mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. All three posts were bagged by women candidates, a feat lauded by residents as well as politicians in the city.

Newly elected mayor Madhu Azad (C), senior deputy mayor Promilla Kablana (L) and deputy mayor Sunita Yadav (R) pose after winning the elections. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

“I am glad that the three posts have been filled and we can approach them (the three post holders) with our concerns for redressal. Their presence gives us hope that there will be someone to fight for our issues when officials fail us,” Deepak Singla, a resident of DLF Phase 3, said.

The symbolism around the three plum posts going to women wasn’t lost on the sitting councillors either.

“Haranvi women have already made their mark in the field of sports and defence services. Today’s election came as an affirmation that women are starting to make inroads into the state’s political space as well,” Sunita Yadav, an independent councillor for Ward 22, said.

For Arti Yadav, the councillor of ward 32, the election of women candidates to the coveted posts is proof that hard work and public service never goes unrewarded when it comes to elections.

Residents’ welfare associations (RWAs), too, cheered the elevation of female councillors to the top posts.

“The election of the three candidates is in sync with the government’s initiative to make people realise the importance of women in society through the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign,” Dinesh Vashist, president, RWAs, sectors 3, 5 and 6, said.

Social activists hoped that the women candidates would put across their views and suggestions to the MCG and strive towards implementing them.

“If you look at Gurgaon, most social and environmental activism or campaigns are spearheaded by women. The appointment of the three women leaders creates an opportunity for activists to bring up issues such as women safety in the city with them,” Shubhra Puri, founder of Gurgaon First, a citizen’s initiative for sustainable development, said.