Reservation for women still not total in Karnataka

In the recently held Assembly polls, all the parties together gave 5.76 per cent ticket to women candidates, of which only 2.69 per cent managed to win.

However, in the state cabinet only 3.57 per cent was given for women, i.e. out of 33 cabinet posts only 5 berths were given to women while 27 portfolios went to men. This has only raised questions at the very concept of reservation that is being spoken of in the state.

State Assembly has 271 men (97.31 pc) and six women (2.69 per cent. Out of the 2,948 candidates who contested in the assembly, only 170 were women.

Out of this 170, only 2.69 per cent women won, of which three are from the Congress. Umashri, an actor turned politician, representing Teradala constituency has been given cabinet berth and with this seat, the Congress leaders are already talking big about their generosity in giving opportunity to women.

Many feel that the very fact that handful of women managed to bag victory in the male dominated bastion in itself is an achievement.

Only implementation of laws pertaining to women rights can bring about a qualitative change in the political scenario.

Meanwhile, there is need to change the mentality of both men and women. Men should work for the victory of the women candidates while women have to change their mindset that politics is not for them.

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