Hyderabad: Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Shaina NC expressed dismay over the poor representation given to women candidates in the Lok Sabha elections, a concern which found an echo in the state.
She said she was “upset and appalled” as most leading political parties, including her own (BJP), had not fielded a large number of women.
“All political parties need to wake up. Women are 50 per cent or the electorate. Upset and appalled to know that other than @MamataOfficial who has given 41 per cent and @Naveen_Odisha who has given 33 per cent to women candidates all other parties only pay lip service to our cause (sic),” Ms Shaina said
For the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, major parties have fielded only 13.
Ms Shaina said, “Ability requires opportunity. Talent needs to be showcased. Leadership across the board need to give more women politicians a chance to prove our electoral competence.”
Asked about her demand, TRS MP K. Kavitha, who has spoken up for more representation to women, said, "Name calling or taking a dig at our own party will not help. The only way is to bring legislation for women’s reservation. Till that is done it will not be achieved.
She said the BJP had missed a golden opportunity as the single largest party to bring the Bill. “We are going to play a major role at the Centre in the next coalition government and we will push for this legislation," she said.
There is an increase in the voting percentage of women, said Congress Khammam candidate and former Union minister Renuka Chowdary. “If this trend increases, political parties will be forced to give tickets to women.”
Former minister Dr Geeta Reddy said, “The women we are seeing (in politics) are those who come from political backgrounds. We need more of them to come from diverse background. The only way now forward is through reservation.”
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