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India.com
9 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
BJP's ‘Nari Shakti' Rhetoric Faces Leadership Test Within Party
New Delhi: In Indian politics, slogans often do the heavy lifting. 'Nari Shakti', the BJP's rallying cry for women's empowerment, has been a consistent part of its electoral pitch, development agenda, and cultural messaging. From schemes like Ujjwala Yojana to the push for the Women's Reservation Bill, the party has repeatedly projected itself as a champion of women's rights. However, despite years of promoting 'Nari Shakti' as a key electoral plank and cultural identity, the Bharatiya Janata Party today finds itself in an uncomfortable position, lacking a strong, popular pan-India woman face in its top leadership or newly formed cabinet. While the Modi cabinet has seven women ministers, none of them enjoys pan-India popularity like Sushma Swaraj or other former women leaders of the party. This apparent disconnect between rhetoric and representation hasn't gone unnoticed. This gap has raised eyebrows among political observers, and as the 3.0 Modi-led government takes shape, a critical question arises: Where are the women? A cabinet without prominent women "Nari Shakti" is a powerful slogan, but slogans don't substitute for representation. The absence of prominent female leadership highlights how women are still perceived more as support systems than leaders within the party. This is not a new pattern. The BJP fielded around 16% women candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a modest improvement, but still far short of the 33% goal it has publicly endorsed. Despite a strong base of women MPs (31 out of the BJP's 240 in the 18th Lok Sabha) and growing female participation in election campaigns and grassroots politics, few women are elevated to positions of national political visibility or decision-making authority. As per several analysts, parties field women candidates in either safe or hopeless constituencies, rarely in the crucial battleground seats. Women are mobilized during elections, but not groomed for leadership. Experts feel the BJP's Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Act was a mere eyewash, promising 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, but delivering a paltry 31 women MPs in 2024, a stark decline from 42 in 2019. Experts say this is a part of a broader pattern where women are mobilized as voters and campaigners, especially in welfare schemes and outreach initiatives, but are not empowered as political decision-makers. This paradox, between women's increasing political visibility and their absence from actual leadership, has drawn criticism. Political Analyst Sandeep Choudhary said, "Making Droupadi Murmu the President of India, a tribal woman from a humble background, certainly sent a message to the world. But let's not mistake representation for empowerment. Women do not become empowered merely by holding symbolic positions. Real empowerment demands structural change; women must be given real power in legislative assemblies, in ministries, in administrative authority, and in decision-making bodies where their voice is not just present, but heard and acted upon." "Women's participation in politics should not be conditional upon the will or generosity of men. As long as male leaders continue to decide which woman should get a ticket, whose voice should rise, and who should be sidelined, empowerment will remain a distant dream. Women must be allowed to rise through their merit, their strength, and their vision, not based on what role the male leadership assigns them. Until then, this will not be true empowerment, but controlled representation," he further added. "Look at Smriti Irani, she is articulate, bold, and deeply connected to the ground realities. Yet after her defeat, she vanished from political prominence. In contrast, men like Pushkar Singh Dhami and Keshav Prasad Maurya were made Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister despite losing. This inconsistency shows that women are still viewed as exceptions, not equals," Choudhary further highlighted, adding, "Today, the BJP governs many states across India, yet how many women do we see as Chief Ministers? Just one, and that too, a recent appointment of Rekha Gupta in Delhi, after the fall of the AAP government. If women truly matter in politics, why are they missing from the top posts across the country? You cannot talk about Nari Shakti while structurally excluding women from leadership roles." Experts feel that when capable women are ignored, it sends a message to the next generation of women that their rise will always depend on factors beyond competence. "Slogans like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and 'Nari Shaktikaran' are powerful, but they must translate into policies, opportunities, and representation. Until a woman can rise from the Panchayat to Parliament without systemic bias, until her ticket isn't decided by the male high command, and until her defeat isn't treated as final while men are resurrected, true women's empowerment will remain a distant ideal," he concluded. Ground-level mobilization, but no elevation To be fair, the BJP has effectively mobilized women at the grassroots, using self-help groups, local welfare schemes, and women-specific subsidies to cultivate strong female voter bases. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, women played a decisive role in the BJP victories. Initiatives like the Ladli Behna Yojana and targeted welfare programs have built immense goodwill among women voters, especially in rural India. BJP has mastered the art of symbolism when it comes to women, but that mobilization has not translated to genuine political inclusion. Women are present on the ground, not in the room where decisions are made. This dissonance, women as voters versus women as leaders, is now becoming too stark to ignore. Reports also say that women's representation is far lower than in many other democracies. The few women who do make it are typically from politically privileged families. Senior Journalist Rahul Lal slammed the BJP, saying, "The BJP's actions suggest that women's empowerment is not a priority for the party, and that the Nari Shakti slogan is merely a publicity gimmick." Making his views stronger, Rahul Lal added, "Women have been marginalized in every matter in terms of representation, and it's not an exaggeration to say that the BJP's Nari Shakti slogan has been a mere facade. The BJP could have given more tickets to women, but they didn't, and as a result, women's representation in the party has taken a hit. The Saffron party's promises of women's empowerment have turned out to be empty promises, with no substance or action to back them up." Regional contrast and missed opportunities Regional parties have offered a different model. In contrast, parties like the TMC, BSP, and even Congress have put women front and center. Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are household names. Meanwhile, the BJP, a party with a national presence and deep organizational machinery, lacks any woman who occupies a similar national leadership space today. What must change Experts feel that for the BJP to credibly claim the mantle of 'Nari Shakti,' it must: Elevate women into the party's highest decision-making bodies, including cabinet committees and national executive posts. Field women candidates in winnable constituencies and train them for long-term leadership roles. Move beyond symbolism, giving women policy authority, not just campaign responsibilities, and promote internal mentorship and leadership pipelines, especially from grassroots to national politics. Time for structural empowerment The BJP's messaging around "Nari Shakti" has undeniably reshaped how women voters see politics, as something accessible and participatory. But turning that participation into real representation requires more than slogans. Until women are given real power, not just portfolios but policy-shaping authority, the gap between narrative and reality will continue to grow. In an era where optics matter, substance matters more. The question is no longer whether the BJP can mobilize women. It's whether it is ready to be led by them.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP MP Eatala Rajender accuses Revanth Reddy of undermining self-respect, sacrifices of Telangana people; praises PM Narendra Modi's leadership
BJP MP Eatala Rajender HYDERABAD: At the same meeting, BJP MP Eatala Rajender accused chief minister Revanth Reddy of "undermining the self-respect of Telangana people" and failing to uphold the sacrifices made during the statehood movement. He slammed the Congress govt for pushing the state into debt and weakening probes into BRS-era scams. He praised PM Modi for "ensuring India's safety during the Covid-19 pandemic" and for encouraging indigenous vaccine production. "Schemes like PM-Kisan and Ujjwala Yojana are transforming lives of the poor, farmers, and women. We are moving with a vision to make India a developed country by 2047," he said.
Economic Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From 'English' vegetables to desi roots
Agencies Indian vegetables, like regional languages, were long regarded as uncool and rejected in favour of "English" staples such as carrots, beans and cauliflower. "Indian" dishes promoted by the culinary devis of the 1960s and 1970s rather than the rustic staples of 'native places' became the hallmark of upward mobility and even homogeneity, especially in the growing metros. By the second decade of the 21st century we were well on the way to "One India, One Cuisine".Then, deracinated urban classes began to experience a yearning for their roots, aided by a growing pride in all things desi. Even as they lived out their American dream in suburban condominium complexes in Gurgaon or Goregaon, Indians began to show interest in eating local and understanding rural, subaltern culinary histories. That's also when social media happened, and suddenly their new-found appetite for culinary legacy could be sated by a myriad of content providers. This week I was fascinated by a video of a chirpy, toothless Bengali village granny with wispy grey hair tied in a bun and a creased cotton saree wrapped in the old-fashioned 'aatpoure' style, cooking a dish made with the green stem of the elephant yam and small shrimps, on a wood-fired terracotta chulha. Clearly her grandson (the cameraman) realised that gas cylinders which her family could access via the PM's Ujjwala Yojana would have spoiled the bucolic tableau! A well-used grinding stone, a sharp bonti (Bengal's traditional curved iron blade set on a wooden base), a few stainless steel and plastic utensils, and a spatula comprised her kitchen kit, set under a palm-leaf thatched shelter with a lovely view of greenery and grey rain clouds. No ingredient labels, no kitchen aid brands, no product placements. Just weather-worn fingers expertly slicing, dicing, grinding and stirring while she cheerfully answered her grandson's questions. The dish she made had minimal oil and spices: just green chilli-yellow mustard seed paste, poppy seed paste, nigella seeds and turmeric; no onion-garlic-ginger, no garam masala. Most people do not know this facet of homestyle Bengali cooking, given the decades of publicity for the stereotypical wedding fare of rich, oily kalias and kosha mangsho. She even dispelled her grandson's fear that the stem would give him an itchy throat, which sometimes happens with yams. Fear is the reason most cityslickers avoided eating shoots, roots, leaves and all 'unknown' desi ingredients till a new interest in rustic fare made them set aside apprehensions. Most took a cue, of course, from the West's foraged food craze. Mushrooms have an international appeal and yams do not, so Indian elites were willing to profess a liking for fungi even if they ranged from pricey truffles and morels to deathcaps, but steered clear of potentially itchy tubers. Until now! Earlier this month, an Indian restaurant in New York, helmed by a chef who unapologetically presents the humble ingredients but robust flavours of his Tamil village, was adjudged the best eatery in the Big Apple. In India, restaurant cuisine has moved beyond Mughlai and other mainstream genres to brilliant riffs by star chefs, and even homestyle regional cuisines by home cooks. Truly rural flavours, however, have remained largely untasted in cities barring a few pop-ups. But now social media has given rural Indians the chance to take their no-fuss, no-waste, hyper-seasonal and hyper-local food to far-away audiences. I found more rural Bengali grannies with thousands of followers posting cooking videos on social media with a little help from grandkids, like plump 'nonnas' popularised rustic Italian cooking. Today, rural India's cool, deft paatis, ajis and thammas are doing the same. Thanks to them we will remain "One India, Many Cuisines". Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. How Vedanta's Anil Agarwal bettered Warren Buffett in returns Rivers are moving more goods than before. But why aren't they making a splash yet? Why Infy's Parekh takes home more than TCS' CEO despite being smaller Is India ready to hit the aspirational 8% growth mark? Aadit Palicha on Zepto dark store raid, dark patterns, and IPO Stock Radar: MCX rallies over 50% in just 3 months to hit fresh highs! What should investors do in June – buy or book profits? Metal stocks: Candidates for tactical and contrarian investing? 6 metal stocks with an upside potential of up to 39% Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Centre and state govts are committed for the uplift of tribals: MPDO Raghavendranath
NUZVID: Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) Chenna Raghavendranath has said that people should avail all the govt schemes and programmes. He said that state and central govts have been implementing several welfare programmes particularly for the uplift of the tribals and socially backward classes. A village level awareness programme was held as part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), was conducted at Ongili Thanda on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, Raghavendranath said that the objective of this program was to raise awareness about govt welfare schemes in tribal areas and deliver necessary services directly to the people. 'Services such as health checkups, education opportunities, health care, nutrition support, pension eligibility verifications, and information on newly introduced govt schemes will be provided by the govt. This programme is especially focused on the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through the involvement of various departments,' said Raghavendranath. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan and housing minister Parthasaradhi were very keen on administration reaching out to the PVTGs to extend the benefits of the govt schemes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He explained that Dharti Aaba Abhiyan is a special national campaign launched by the Centre for the holistic development of tribal villages. It is named in honor of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter and reformer. 'The scheme ensures saturation of govt schemes in tribal villages. It will improve access to healthcare, education, employment, pensions, housing, and other essential services. It will also bring remote and backward tribal areas into the path of sustainable development,' said Raghavendranath. He said that they would verity whether the schemes including PM Awas Yojana–for housing, Ayushman Bharat, PM Kisan, Ujjwala Yojana, MGNREGA extended to all the eligible people. A large number of villagers actively participated and availed services and guidance. Local public representatives, teachers, ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, village elders, women's group members, students, and youth took part enthusiastically in the event. Officials from health, panchayat raj, education, agriculture, irrigation, and other departments delivered services and interacted with the public. Field-level reviews were also conducted to assess the implementation of welfare programs in the tribal village, and suitable suggestions were offered.
Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana West bypoll: Haryana CM rakes up water sharing dispute, AAP hits back
Ludhiana Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, during his campaign in Ludhiana West, accusing it of betraying the teachings of the Sikh gurus by blocking drinking water to Haryana. Saini, who was here to campaign for party candidate Jiwan Gupta, said AAP is playing politics over the issues of water and farmers, instead of solving them. 'The AAP government refused to release Haryana's rightful share of drinking water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Punjab is the land of the great Gurus who always taught that no one should be denied water. But today, this government is denying us drinking water. Haryana and Punjab are like brothers, why play politics in the name of water?' he questioned, terming AAP's opposition to sharing water as a betrayal of Punjab's spiritual values. Saini also claimed that the people of Punjab opposed AAP for stopping water to Haryana. The CM also accused AAP of misleading the public on farmers' issues. 'While the Haryana BJP government has provided minimum support price (MSP) for all crops and continues to support farmers with subsidies, the AAP government has used force and lathi charge against farmers. AAP only uses the name of farmers to gain sympathy but does nothing substantial for their welfare,' he said. The controversy erupted on April 28 when the Haryana government's demand for additional water from the Bhakra Dam was approved by the BBMB despite opposition from Punjab. The Punjab government refused to accept the decision and deployed police at Nangal dam, 13km downstream from Bhakra, to stop the additional water release. Later the matter reached the high court which disposed of the matter on May 26, while the fresh water sharing cycle started on May 21. Saini also hit out at AAP's anti-drug campaign, calling them a 'drama' meant to divert attention from the government's failures. 'These actions are more about grabbing headlines than actual results,' Saini said. Slamming both AAP and Congress, Saini said the people of Punjab were first let down by Congress and now by AAP. 'For five years, Congress fooled the people, and now, for the past three and a half years, AAP has done the same,' he said. The Haryana CM then drew comparisons between Punjab and Haryana in terms of central government scheme implementation. He said that under BJP rule, Haryana has successfully implemented schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, PM Krishi Yojana, and Ujjwala Yojana. 'In contrast, these benefits are yet to reach the people of Punjab,' he added, urging the voters of Ludhiana West to give the BJP a chance. He said BJP's candidate Jiwan Gupta would win the bypoll as 'people are angry with both AAP and Congress and want change. They want good governance, and that is what BJP stands for.' No extra water to give: Bains Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains slammed the Haryana CM's remarks and said he pressured the BBMB to divert Punjab waters. 'It was a conspiracy to deprive Punjab of its rightful water share. Saini had pressured the BBMB to unfairly divert Punjab's water, and AAP exposed this,' Bains alleged. He further clarified that under previous governments, Punjab lacked proper canal irrigation coverage. 'However, under CM Bhagwant Mann, canal water has reached over 65% of Punjab's agricultural land and thus we have no extra water to give to other states,' Bains added. Embed Saini faces protest Ludhiana CM Nayab Singh Saini, who arrived in the city to campaign for the BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta, was met with a group of protesters who accused him of attempting to deprive Punjab of its rightful share of river water. The protesters raised slogans near Sherpur Chowk and alleged that Haryana was trying to usurp water allocated to Punjab, affecting the state's agriculture and groundwater levels. Saini, while mentioning the protests, claimed it to be stage managed by Congress and AAP. 'Congress and AAP jointly staged several protests against me in Haryana too and it is nothing more than a political gimmick. The people of Haryana have rejected Congress and AAP for their cheap political tactics,' Saini said.
