Haryana Assembly Polls: Women's Participation Highlighted

The Haryana Assembly polls see only 51 women candidates, mostly backed by political families or celebrities. Over the years, women's representation has been low, though the Congress has fielded the highest number this election. Historically, Haryana has struggled with gender equality in politics, with patriarchy still dominant.

In the upcoming Haryana Assembly polls, only 51 women candidates are in contention, most of them receiving backing from political families or holding celebrity status. This reflects a persistent gender disparity in Haryana's political landscape.

Since its inception in 1966, Haryana has a poor record in electing women to the assembly, with only 87 women having made it so far. Notably, the state has never had a woman chief minister.

The main opposition Congress has fielded 12 women candidates, the most among all parties. Meanwhile, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) alliance have 11, and the ruling BJP has named 10 women nominees. Smaller alliances and parties have also fielded female candidates.

(With inputs from agencies.)