When it comes to making tall claims for women empowerment parties do not shy away from making the issue prominent in the election manifestoes but giving opportunity to the fairer sex to contest polls seems a far cry still in the state. Interestingly, all the parties here are represented by maximum numbers of male candidates.
The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has chosen six women among 72 candidates for the polls. Asked the reason on why the national party preferred few women, party officials said women who have fair chances of winning can only be supported this time.
While, Congress has given tickets to seven out of the 54 seats announced till date and is planning to add around three more women in the next list for around 11 candidates. “Our main purpose is to promote women in every perspective. We are hopeful to promote majority women in politics,” said Congress office bearer Alok Dubey.
Moving a step ahead than Congress party’s plans, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has offered tickets to 10 women out of 69 candidates. “We want to bring women in the forefront of elections. Unless, they are not involved, we cannot ensure women empowerment within the state,” JMM spokesperson Vinod Pandey said.
All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) is seeking modes of employment scopes to women with the assistance of Self Help Groups (SHGs) through its manifesto. Sources said since the party is contesting only on eight seats in alliance with BJP, it is not possible to represent women for the political fight.
Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) on the other side is confidential on its motives. The state party has announced three women candidates out of 32 candidates. “We have ensured the needs of women in our manifesto. Three or four more women are to be announced for the elections,” JVM spokesperson Saroj Singh said.
Trinamool Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist-leninist) Red Star have given a thought over the ‘women trafficking’. “Women are victimized in most of the trafficking cases in Jharkhand. We have decided to address the issue on priority basis. It is one of the essential agendas of our manifesto. Spreading awareness on anti-witch crafting practices is another vital agenda,” a TMC member said. Three out of nine candidates contesting on behalf of TMC are women including Monica I Tirkey, Sushila Minz and C Hembrom from Maneka, Gumla and Torpa constituencies.
A young member of CPI (Ml) Red Star mentioned they have directed the assembly candidates to be ready to face “Right to Recall” if the campaigning promises are not fulfilled. “Our manifesto is prepared. Points like Anti-Dowry laws, rehabilitation of women from trafficking and 50 percent reservation of women in all kinds of government jobs have been added. Also, it focuses on giving respect to a woman family member,” the member said.