National parties refrain from fielding women: Mahto

BOKARO: Criticizing the national parties at a public meeting in Sector IX on Sunday, All Jharkhand Students Union Party (Ajsu Party) chief Sudesh Mahto said despite tall claims, the leaders in this country are reluctant to extend opportunities to the women and youths in politics. Mahto was campaigning for Dhanbad party candidate Hemlal S Mohan in the district.
"At election rallies they (national parties) appeal to the youths to come forward and join politics but when it comes to giving them a larger role in the party they often hesitate.The national leaders talk about women empowerment in public meetings but when any woman seeks an opportunity they snub her. No woman candidate was fielded by any of these parties. They are all double-faced and people are aware of their true character," said Mahto.
Mahto's criticism raised eyebrows in many quarters because the party has been a faithful ally of Bharatiya Janata Party in state. Chandankyari MLA Umakant Rajak and senior party leaders, Suresh Kumar and Yogender Mahto were also present in the meeting.
When asked, if the party would join NDA or UPA after election, Mahto said joining national parties is not important as they wish to serve the local people in the constituency. "Forming an alliance is not a prerequisite to bring about development in the state. Mahto urged masses to cast their votes in support of Ajsu Party for holistic development of the state."
He claimed that Mohan is a performer and no candidate contesting from Dhanbad seat is better than her.