, Raipur. The controversy over reservation for the post of women mayor in Raipur Municipal Corporation is increasing. Women Congress has written a letter to PCC Chief Deepak Baij and protested against the claims of the wives of leaders in the Congress party. Now, the State Women Commission President and Congress leader Kiranmayi Nayak has given a big statement on this issue.Congress leader Kiranmayi Nayak said, “Wives of leaders are given opportunities because they have money. Only 25% of the women who hold party tickets are those who have taken up active politics. They often start with the support of their husbands.”
He further said, “This problem comes up every time when it comes to women reservation. This issue was raised even when I contested the election in 2009. Councillors field their wives in the election, and the mayor also becomes a part of this process. Whenever it comes to giving posts to women, they are discouraged instead of being encouraged, saying that money is needed to contest elections. This is not a matter of any one party.”
Kiranmayi Nayak also said, “Women who can take their own decisions in politics get less space in politics. Only those women who have served the party and who have struggled for the party are dedicated to the party. Such women should get tickets in reservation. I support this idea. The government makes schemes, but progressive thinking is needed at the ground level where work should be done.”
This statement of Kiranmayi Nayak highlights the need to encourage women and ensure proper opportunities for them. Now it remains to be seen in which direction the party moves forward on this issue and what steps it takes to give real rights to women.
