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In Hazaribag, a significant number of former male councillors are fielding their wives in wards now reserved for women. This strategic move aims to maintain political influence and ensure continuity of work. While some see it as promoting women's leadership, others perceive it as indirect power retention. Residents acknowledge this as a recurring political tactic.
Hazaribag: With many wards now reserved for women, many former male councillors of the Hazaribag Municipal Corporation have fielded their wives in the wards which they once represented.
Out of the 36 wards, 17 are reserved for women this year.Pamita Sinha, who is contesting from ward 20, is the wife of ex-councillor Rajesh. Rajesh won the ward in 2018 civic body polls. In ward 19, former councillor Vishwanath Vishwakarma has fielded his wife, Sheela Devi. Following their footsteps is Dilip Saw, former councillor of ward 24, who fielded his wife Kranti Devi this time.Rajesh said, “I was elected councillor twice with a comfortable margin and worked closely with residents.
As I always stood with the people, I am sure my wife will also be able to carry forward the good works done by me as she is getting good support from the electors.”Another ward councillor, on condition of anonymity, said, "I had worked for five years. Now, I want to retain the seat through my wife so that continuity of works can be maintained.”The trend has drawn mixed reactions from the electorate. While some felt it would enhance women’s participation in local governance and provide them an opportunity to take leadership roles, others saw it as an attempt to exercise power indirectly.Residents said such practices are not new. Charhi resident Dhirendra Singh, who is a teacher, said, “Be it an MP, MLA, or a councillor, everyone wants enjoy power directly or through their relatives.”
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