This Article is From Nov 22, 2014

Women Candidates Account for Just 3 Per Cent in Jammu and Kashmir Elections

Women Candidates Account for Just 3 Per Cent in Jammu and Kashmir Elections

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti at an election rally

Srinagar: Ahead of the first phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a remarkable trend -- more and more women coming out of their homes to take part in election rallies. However, the swing ends there because when it comes to representation, women candidates account for a dismal 3 per cent in the upcoming elections.

In the elections to the 87-member state Assembly, there are just 12 female candidates, with six of them from the ruling National Conference (NC). More than 300 candidates have been fielded by all the four parties - NC, PDP, Congress and the BJP - in the polls.

"It is quite evident now that they are just saying women empowerment but this is all false. Women don't get their due not only in politics but in every field," says Shameema Firdous, MLA from the Habba Kadal constituency and a NC candidate from the same seat.

Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party, which has Mehbooba Mufti as its president has given ticket to just one female candidate - Asia Naqash from Srinagar's Hazratbal constituency. However, she is unwilling to criticize her party.

"How come, women are given tickets if they don't come from grassroots. I have come from grassroots, worked for the party and was given a ticket," said Ms Naqash.

Ironically, Ms Mufti says that being a woman is an advantage in politics as they can connect more easily with people and empathize with their problems.

"I feel good and I'm able to connect with people. Youth treat me like their sister and refer me as 'baji' and women can talk to me freely," said Ms Mufti.

While the Congress has given tickets to three women candidates, the BJP has fielded just two, both from Srinagar but not a single candidate from Jammu where chances of winning are much brighter for the party.

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