Bihar assembly election: Women power, 'panch deviyaan' evoke interest among electorates

BANKA: Perhaps Maoist-hit Katoria is the only assembly constituency in the state where ‘panch deviyaan’ (five women), as people prefer to describe them, are in election fray that not only portray the women power but have also been able to draw lot of attention of the electorates across the region.
Besides the political perception and wisdom of the women contestants, the talks center around their courageousness concerning to electoral battle in the Katoria assembly (reserved for ST) constituency, the most part of which is under the influence of banned Maoist outfit.
Nikki Hembrom (42-years), a postgraduate from Patna University and doctorate (PhD) from Sido Kanhu Murmu University (Dumka, Jharkhand), who is the daughter-in-law of sitting BJP MLA Sonelal Hembrom, is contesting as the BJP nominee from Katoria.
Nikki was nominated as BJP/NDA candidate after her father-in-law and sitting BJP ML Sonelal Hembrom stated his unwillingness to contest due to his failing health. Nikki is said to have worked hard, through her social works, in garnering popularity in the area. Having high level of education, Nikki has set her priority to create awareness about education among the women in her constituency.
The RJD (mahagathbandhan) nominated Sweet Seema Hembrom (36-years), Intermediate in Arts (I.A.) from SM College (Bhagalpur) under TMBU and an RJD worker, to challenge the BJP/NDA nominee from Katoria. Sweety Seema Hembrom, stated to be a very hardworking worker of RJD who use to participate in the activities of the party with lots of gusto, is referred to be the best bet for RJD in order to defeat the BJP/NDA candidate.
Pushplata Murmu, nearly 36-year old housewife and marginal farmer, a graduate from DN College Bhusia (Rajoun, Banka) under Tilkamanjhi Bhagalpur University, is contesting as NCP (third-front) candidate, is all set to create a role for herself if she scores over her rivals. She also aims to works for the welfare of women.
Anjala Hansda, 34-years old is Intermediate in Arts (I.A.) from Bihar Intermediate Education Council, Patna. She is contesting as old JMM nominee. Former CM of Jharkhand Hemant Soren is pitching for her victory while also to expand a base in the tribal. Anjala too wants to commit her life for the welfare of women besides the tribals in general.
For twenty-five year old Rekha Kumari Soren, who hasn’t tied the nuptial knot as yet to pursue the social work started in her area, getting the people rid of socio-economic backwardness is the prime agenda. Rekha, an Intermediate in Arts (I.A.) from C. M. College at Mandar (Bounsi, Banka) under TMBU, is contesting as an ‘Independent’ candidate as she is averse to party burden.
Not to be cowed by the activities by banned Maoists outfit in the constituency, where 220 polling booths are located in Naxal-hit localities of Katoria, and neither feeling strange in the arena that is mostly dominated by men, the ‘panch deviyaan’ wants to make a lead and bring the change in the lives of women, remove the ills plaguing the tribal’s community.
Drinking water, irrigation facilities, education for women, employment opportunities, removal of superstitious believes and practices pervading the tribal community are some of the common points of the female contestants.
Whereas, the four male contestants Anil Kumar Marandi (Garib Janata Dal), Rajaram Soren (Bharat Vikash Morcha), Umesh Hembrom (Independent) and Maikal Hasda (Independent) have not much to do other than meekly surrendering to the ‘women power’.