Many a jaw dropped as thousands gathered at the Mahila Panchayat called by AJSU Party on Sunday at Morhabadi ground. Women from across the State were ferried in a fleet of buses and cars to participate in the AJSU show of strength, amid prevailing political uncertainty.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, party supremo Sudesh Mahto said, “Education, respect and rights to women are some of the challenges we face today,” and it is imperative to overcome them through empowerment.
To the delight of the crowds present, Mahto stressed that women empowerment was a long and continuous process, not merely a day or a month’s affair. “The larger question is — when will half the population get half representationIJ” he asked. Expressing concern at trafficking, Mahto said, “Women are transported out of the State like minerals and other items of trade.”
On the occasion, Mahto laughed off the attempt of political parties to form a formula for Government formation. He downplayed such acts by refusing to indulge in it. “I am not concerned about political equations and who is going with whom,” he added.
Mahto’s every call for a better and bright future for the State through enhanced participation by women was greeted with thundering applause. “Earlier, it was thought that only men can bring changes. But, women can break this notion and are capable of bringing changes too,” he declared.
Interestingly, while Mahto was metaphorically challenging political opponents amid the deafening chants from his supporters, party MlAs left no stone unturned to project their leader as the clear favourite for the post of Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
Whipping up sentiments of the crowd, Hatia MlA Naveen Jaiswal said, “Our women are ready to give a befitting reply to other parties in future elections.” Jaiswal also pointed out lack of leadership as the sole cause for backwardness of women, thus putting AJSU ahead of others with regard to providing leadership to women.
Showering praise on women, party spokesperson Dev Sharan Bhagat said, “Women will play a vital role in the reformation of Jharkhand,” claiming, “Today, there is a wave of nervousness among other parties, who are worried about AJSU’s growing strength.”
Party MlAs Chandraprakash Chowdhary, KK Bhagat, Umakant Rajak, Tileshwar Sahu, panchayat and zila parishad members shared the podium with Mahto.