Major parties shun women as candidates in Nilgiris

UDHAGAMANDALAM: Of the 30 candidates who are fighting to represent the three constituencies in the Nilgiris, not a single woman has been fielded by any of the recognised political parties. No major political party deemed it fit to field a woman candidate in Ooty, Coonoor or Gudalur, the three constituencies in the district, though women voters outnumber men in the district.
However, a woman candidate representing a registered party, Gadhiya Makkal Iyakkam , has been fielded in the Coonoor constituency.
The Nilgiris has never elected a woman to the state assembly or Parliament except once all these years. Akkamma Devi, who represented the Nilgiris constituency in the third Lok Sabha, was the exception to this trend.
"Women are willing to enter politics, but in politics they are not treated as equals," said a local panchayat president, adding that since there is reservation for women in the local body elections, men were compelled to let in women.
Inspired by AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa, a highly qualified woman hailing from the Nilgiris applied for a party ticket. "I wanted to do something for my native place. Hence, I decided to seek a ticket to fight for the assembly election. But my application was not considered," Vasanthi (name changed) told TOI. She also added, "I have been in the party for the past twenty five years as one of its primary member. During previous assembly elections and parliament elections too, I had applied for seats. To be frank, there is no encouragement for women in politics."
However, AIADMK district functionaries say that the decision of the high command of the party was always right and in the interest of the party.
Women believe that the way out is to have gender-based reservation in legislatures."Women are capable and enthusiastic enough. As in the panchayat level, there should also be a reservation of 33% for women in general elections. Then the participation of women in assembly elections will be higher," said Vijayalakshmi, a student doing her postgraduation.
A social activist said though party leaders say their selection process is based on merit and familiarity with the constituency, it is money and backing that matters.
CPM Nilgiris district secretary Bhadri said, "Our party is stressing the 33% reservation to women. Three women candidates have been fielded in various constituencies in the state by our party for this assembly constituency. But unfortunately, Gudalur, being a reserved constituency, we could not get a suitable woman candidate."