After nearly 9 years, this Sunday we will have polls for BBMP — the municipal body responsible for Greater Bangalore. Our ward, which I just recently came to know is a women’s ward is reserved only for women candidates. Two of the candidates belonging to two prominent parties live within our community. The striking part was that one is the wife of a politically connected person, and the other is a relative of another politically connected person. In a gist, dummy candidates or props. Just a few days back, I was having a discussion with a blogger friend telling her not to be cynical about the women’s quota in Parliament. But, now if this is the situation in Bangalore, I wonder how women in villages will be independent and competent candidates on their own, not someone’s spouse or relative.
Now, I see myself having the same feeling of despair. In which way, will any of these women really be empowering women by this election. She will be a puppet in larger hands. I feel sad and do not know who to vote for. But, vote I will!
Rabri Devi was the first mockery of the democratic process and we should all take a cue from it 🙂
Yes Rachna in majority of the cases; this is true but yes vote we must 🙂
@DivSu Yes, she surely was!
@Bhagya I know, I will vote. I wonder if any of them will make any difference to the community except for fattening their own wallets.
In the name of Reservation, women should not make a mockery of themselves. The big LOOPHOle is and will be there…but vote one must.
Hi Rachna, you ever thought of going into politics? Ha ha.
I cannot…too dirty for me, and no private life anymore.
I was approached few times before about entering politics, but no way…as some of the politicians I see or read about, feel like sending them for a dentist appointment, ha ha.
Have a nice day, keep well, Lee.
If we have a dream, politicians will turn it into a nightmare.
The next big dream is 33%.
Neo.
@Gouri I guess these women who stand as proxies anyway don’t have much say.
@Lee Well, no :). I am just not as callous and devoid of morals, as is required.
@Neo Hey, thanks for visiting. Yes, politicians are the worst breed most times.
That is biggest fear every one has.What if the sitting MLA or MPs give that seat to their kin?
In such case, what good is WR bill?
Hey Rachana,
This is not strange. This has always happened, and is extremely sad. The women empowerment need not be on paper, but in reality. If men respect women, there’s no need for the quota.
Bhavesh
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true. hope after they come to power they stick to their words.
All these quotas (Women, SC, ST or others) are rubbish. In my opinion, we should give them opportunities to come forward. Selection should always be on the basis of candidate’s own capability and not his or her gender/caste. I don’t think that these women know much about the politics but no other option was left so these puppets are created….don’t know whom to blame – these reservation bills or candidates??
@BKChowla Yes, that is the fine. We have too many dynasties in politics these days.
@Bhavesh Now the respect part is so difficult especially when you know that most women don’t even have basic rights.
@nituscorner I hope they have an opinion and a mind of their own to take action.
@Manika Well, selection for everything must be on the basis of merit. Here it is the question of opportunity. Do these quotas actually provide opportunity and thus end up empowering the weaker sections of society?
Even my ward is reserved for women. The women candidates are nothing but facades; sad state of affairs!