In a first, women to force demands in their manifesto

Hyderabad: With tickets just a trickle for women from across the political spectrum, the joint action committee of women has released the first-ever joint manifesto and will be hitting the streets soon to rally for their rights. The panel also includes representatives from transgender community. With Monday being the last date to file nominations, there are just 20 women in the fray for the 119-member Telangana Assembly.

“We have released the manifesto and we are demanding more tickets for women. We will hold a protest meet at Dharna Chowk next week, which will be attended by activists and pressure groups,” said K Sajaya, an activist.


Women activists say the response from political parties was disappointing, when they met leaders to hand over their manifesto. “TRS leaders said they are helpless, while Congress and TTDP leaders did not meet the activists, but only took note of the manifesto. “A Left leader said they could not find a right woman candidate. And BJP is more concerned about schemes for women than giving more political representation,” said P Sandhya, another woman activist.

Congress has so far allocated 10 seats to women, TRS five, TDP one and TJS one. Other small parties have allotted about 5 seats. Even if all win, the representation of women would not be more than 15%. Activists want political parties to ensure that women from all social classes are given at least 33% tickets and a similar representation in the cabinet when a government is formed.

At least 100 demands were placed under 13 categories and this includes education, healthcare facilities, preventing women against violence, steps to protect girls and transgenders, domestic workers and the homeless. Manifesto also seeks a special law to protect couples of inter-caste marriages.