Women & Election in India

India, the largest democracy in the world, still have to be democratic to one half of its population. Representation of women in Indian parliament is only around 10% even after 66 years of democracy. 

It is discernible that all the political parties are deceiving its women members regarding the allocation of seats. For example take the case in the constituency where a major leader is contesting - his rival candidate will be a women. The opposition parties who are sure of losing this constituency, will field a woman. It gives them satisfaction that they didn't lose the opportunity of a male contestant and also can project the number seats they allotted for women.For a self made female politician even this offer will be a hard earned fruit or other wise she should be a relative of an established politician (given the fact that most of the women legislators are relatives of politicians and most probably contesting in place of their husband in case of exigencies).

It is appreciable that our legislation have given  1/3rd reservation of seats for women in the local bodies. Initially the women members in these institutions were akin to Rabri Devi who was elected in lieu of her husband Lalu Prasad Yadav. Over years the women politicians came out of their confinement and demonstrated their capability in administration and many are being admired as role models. It may be this success and fear of losing their bastion is holding back the legislators from reserving the seats for women in legislative assembly and parliament elections.

Now it is high time to pass the long pending reservation bill and fulfill the true sense of democracy to represent the half of the population.