Women In Indian Politics

The position of women has improved down the ages and there is hardly any field without a woman touch and politics is no different. Women enjoy a share in politics but not a good share or one equal to men- The dragging of the Women's Reservation Bill for instance.

In a party, the presence of women members just means and mostly stops with the formation of a "Mahila Samaj" and carrying out its activities. The decision making power always vests on men!! Moreover, the candidates fielded by the parties are mostly men and the women presence accounts only to 5-10 %. The Congress party with a woman as president which backs the bill has only a minimal of 10% women candidates.

There are women who played and are playing a significant role in the Indian Politics. The most prominent woman Ms. Indra Gandhi is a clear example. There are people like Sonia Gandhi, Vasundhra Raje and also like Sushma Swaraj, Mamta Banerjee, Uma Bharathi . The former are people who come from a rich political background and their voices are highly heard than the latter. However, Ms. Jayalalitha and Ms. Mayawati were able to make a jay with jaal.The women in India are more committed to becoming house wives and better mothers than involving themselves in politics.

Politics and leadership requires an enigmatic charisma. Most of the women candidates find it difficult to establish themselves even within the party until they present themselves a "Bahus or Betis" from a rich political background. This results in "leaders without excellence". The passing and approval of the Reservation Bill or giving equal priority alone is not the criteria but the elegance and prowess of the women that matters. This is a clear indication of the Indian politics requiring a giant leap. Finally, "It is not with the gender but a politics with a minimum blunder".

-Sowmiya. R