How a candidate facing terror charges can be expected to work for women’s safety, said a section of women residents about Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur who has been fielded as BJP candidate from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat. However, some of them said that they will support Pragya because she is woman, no matter which party has fielded her. Excerpts of what women voters told Free Press
Sindhu Dholpure, artist
“I don’t know much about her. But before nominating a person as their candidate, political parties should verify his or her background and qualifications. Police verification of candidates is must. How can we give responsibility of running country to a person who is charged with a serious offence? I don’t know why Alok Sanjar was dumped. He had done good work and he has a clean image. I don’t know why BJP chose Pragya who has a criminal record. Just imagine, when she was not holding any office, she committed a heinous crime. If she becomes an MP, she can misuse the position.”
Asma Khan, student
“Pragya is facing a criminal trial. As an informed voter, I study the background of candidates from my area. We will have to think 10 times before voting for a candidate who is facing terrorism charges. I will not vote for a candidate with a criminal record. When she is herself involved in a criminal case, how can we expect her to work for women’s safety? However, if BJP has fielded her thinking that it can draw voters by projecting Hindutva face, it is not possible in today’s era. Alok Sanjar could have been better candidate.”
Shalini Saxena, social activist
“She is a woman and has suffered a lot. The best thing about her is that she doesn’t come from a family of politicians. My best wishes are with her. As for criminal case against her, she has not been convicted and hence is innocent till proved guilty. There is no clinching evidence against her. There might be many Congress leaders who have criminal cases pending against them. The case against her may be politically motivated. If she is elected, she will definitely do something good.”
Neeta Puspel, cancer counseller
“I have heard about her. She is a deserving candidate. I have nothing to do with Congress or the BJP. But she is a woman and a cancer patient and my sympathies are with her. She will surely win with people’s support when she will tell them how she was tortured and how she had to struggle. Her Sadhvi image will also help. There is no evidence that she had committed crime.”
Kahkasha Saxena, Divine Social Society secretary
“If Pragya is facing criminal trial, how can Election Commission allow her to contest elections? I am very confused on this issue. And why should BJP chose her as its candidate? A moot question is that even if she wins, will she be able to discharge her duties? However, voters are unpredictable and may well back such a candidate also.”