Male Mayor hopefuls should expect a tough challenge from the female candidates in the elections for the Ranchi Municipal Corporation Mayor’s elections on June 23.
Out of the 16 candidates, who have filed nomination papers for the Mayoral election, six are women and they have got the support of the major political parties.
If the BJP has extended support to Asha lakra, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) is backing Varsha Gari. The Congress has supported former Mayor Rama Khalkho. Besides, Madhuri lakra, a daily wage labourer and Rose Pravin Tirkki are also in the race as independents. Wednesday was the last day for filing the nomination.
Describing the inclination of women showing interest in politics as a good sign of democracy, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Sinha said, “It is a good sign that women who used to stay behind the doors are coming forward to bring a positive change in the society. Issue of women empowerment and their overall development and growth have been raised by party heads on several occasions. By providing them support in the mayor poll the party makes it very clear that their words are reflected in their actions.” Meanwhile, the records of recently held parliamentary elections in Ranchi on April 17, revealed that the city’s fairer sex had shown keen interest in it where around 1,25,099 female voters had cast their franchise as compared to 1,45,948 men.
AJSU spokesperson Deosharan Bhagat said, “Women empowerment has always remained his party’s prime concern. The party workers have made all possible effort for the development and growth of women in the State. It has been tested and proven that women have good managerial skills than men. Varsha Gari is a strong contender and will give tough competition to other contesting candidates.”
Besides, State Women Commission Chairperson Mahua Manjhi also appreciated women’s participation in politics and described it as much needed change.
She said, “Providing women a platform like this will definitely play a pivotal role in the direction of women empowerment. Women performing duties from out of their box are setting an example for other such women who prefer to stay behind the doors.”
Meanwhile, Ranchi female residents have also given their thumbs up to the female candidates showing interest in local politics. A beautician Kali Kumari said, “It is a treat to watch that many women have stepped out to contest election for the mayoral post. Females are quite aware of voting rights and it is for this reason that female voters’ turn out has increased.”