Groups missing from poll manifestos seek inclusivity, better policies

Hyderabad: Political manifestos released by different parties for the upcoming Assembly elections have caused disenchantment among multiple groups, especially single mothers, LGBTQ+, animal rights activists, and artists, who claimed they were wilfully ignored or underrepresented.

 Vyshnavi G, an animal lover, and an entrepreneur said that it takes a lot to fight neighbours, relatives, etc., to protect animals, given that lakh of atrocities on animals goes unpunished and unheard.

“The government mustn't create an erasure for this issue or minimise this issue. Including community animal welfare in policies will help activists and rescuers work more efficiently in collaboration with the government and do better.

Simple acts such as PSAs about feeding and spaying animals, punishing animal abusers with jail time or levy of heavy fines, and having CCTV cameras to prevent abuse and killing of animals are important,” she said.

Patruni Satry, a pansexual diversity coach, said that none of the political parties made any promises or spoke about queerness. “Maybe only the Congress spoke about it back in 2019, but even then, nothing after that,” he said.

“Policies or initiatives being made are not monitored and remain as namesakes. Take the instance of trans-washrooms, which aren't functional today and are used as repositories or store rooms. Even in 2023, people will have to go to court to be able to sit for competitive exams.

Our absence from poll promises or politicians' speeches or discussions shows that we are still not considered a decent vote bank — even if we are ever mentioned, we can tell the difference between tokenism and genuine cause,” Sastry said.

Abhimanika Tavish, a single mother, actor, and Mrs Universe Intelligence 2017, said that parties often are a reflection of society, in treating married and single mothers differently.

“We can both be successful parents, and the challenges we face do not determine our abilities or the love they provide to children. It is important that political parties support and talk about us by acknowledging and addressing our unique needs and circumstances, not only as a moral imperative but as a crucial means to build a more inclusive and equitable community. Promises, policies, and practical assistance like childcare and emotional support go a long way in erasing the stigma around us,” Abhimanika said.

Pritika Nayair, a singer and graphic designer, said that while she doesn't expect manifestos to pander to a minority group like artists, it's important to support, talk about, and push artists from the remotest of backgrounds.

“When I say artists or performers, I don't just mean bands or dancers. I also mean folk performers or weavers and craftsmen. For us, it's art but for them, it's their livelihood. For too long, we've believed art is only for recreation, not seeing how much revenue it brings in and how it educates, impacts, and promotes culture through the simplest things,” she said.