Erstwhile Adilabad district may have 50 per cent women voters, but when it comes to sending women to the Assembly, the figures are hardly encouraging. Barely six women were elected to the House as against men who were elected 72 times in 66 years of political history of the region.
Women voters account for 10,90,164, while males are 10,97,815, as per the latest list of voters. Despite this, they failed to get due representation in the Legislative Assembly since most political parties fielded only men for over six decades.
For example, only six female legislators could win from some of the 10 Assembly constituencies in Adilabad that saw elections about 15 times since the constituencies came into existence. Women candidates won from the Asifabad constituency three times, while two females registered victories from Khanapur and one from Sirpur (T) constituency.
But, female candidates were unable to set foot in the Assembly from the remaining seven segments, Nirmal, Mudhole, Adilabad, Mancherial, Chennur, Bellampalli and Boath.
Significantly, women electors are more than males in Adilabad, Nirmal, Mudhole and Boath Assembly constituencies, as per final electoral roles published on October 12. The disparity can be attributed to the apparent disinterest of the parties in encouraging women to be in the fray.
The TDP fielded female nominees four times, followed by TRS party of which two women candidates became MLAs. The Congress and CPI(M) has not offered the tickets to women from any of the 10 segments so far.
However, the scenario is gradually improving. Various political parties are fielding female nominees in polls. For instance, TRS party has declared tickets for two female candidates in the coming elections.
P Ramadevi’s candidature has been finalised by BJP for contesting from Mudhole. Dr A Swarna Reddy is expecting a ticket from the party of Nirmal Assembly segment. The Congress may offer tickets to Gandrath Sujatha from Adilabad Assembly constituency. #KhabarLive
