City women are not very keen on contesting Lok Sabha elections if their participation over the years is any indication. This time just one from the fair sex, Rekha Sharma (Independent), is in fray.
City women are not very keen on contesting Lok Sabha elections if their participation over the years is any indication. This time just one from the fair sex, Rekha Sharma (Independent), is in fray.
Of the last five LS elections, there were no women candidates from city in 1989 and 1996.
The highest in all these elections was three in the year 1999 while in 1991 there was only one candidate. Interestingly, none of the national parties have fielded women candidates in the elections so far. All women participated so far have been Independents.
Talking to Hindustan Times, Assistant Professor with CRRID Manoj Teotia said women representation was poor in city not just in polity but other spheres as well.
He added educated women were not interested in contesting elections because of the poor image of Indian politics and the mudslinging involved.
Mayor Kamlesh said there was a need for women’s reservation, which would definitely see women contesting Lok Sabha elections. She added men were not giving a chance to women who want to come ahead and be a part of the electoral politics.
City’s first mayor and leader of the BJP-SAD combine in MC house Kamla Sharma, when contacted, said women participation in city started after formation of corporation.
Now, city has women heading villages and representing in the civic body, she said, adding they would start contesting LS elections after they gain experience at these levels and they are surely capable to do so.