Hindustan Times
Women quota: It’s Simple Dimple
Isn’t it disgusting? The two Yadav chieftains of the Hindi heartland – Mulayam and Lalu- grew up in politics opposing the dynasty rule that Nehru had introduced in the country. They also played to their political galleries opposing 33 per cent quota for women in the Lok Sabha and the State assemblies. (We all know women in power is still not acceptable in rural pockets) But when it came to the growth of their own dynasty, they took no time in shamelessly dumping their ‘pet political issues.’
Lalu could trust no one in the party other than his own wife, a very apolitical Rabdi Devi, when the fodder scam grew hotter. And now Mulayam has pushed his novice daughter-in-law Dimple into politics to retain Ferozabad Lok Sabha seat, vacated by his son Akhilesh Yadav.
People do question why Dimple? Is it not the dynasty issue here too — his son heads the state Samajwadi Party, his brothers were de facto chief ministers when he was ruling the state, his nephews have also reached the Lok Sabha.
The growth of Yadav dynasty had rankled his confidante Amar Singh also when a search had started for a replacement of Chief Minister Mulayam Singh, who was likely to move to the Centre. He had aired his feelings during an informal telephonic conversation: “Who do you think would head UP now?” It was Amar asking me and I had without hesitation replied, “Who else but you?” This is what he said then, “ Why there is Shivpal, Ramgopal, Akhilesh—I don’t have a Yadav affixed to my name.”
It’s another matter that its Amar who is being credited for bringing Dimple into politics primarily to defeat his bete noir Raj Babbar. Yet Mulayam’s decision has come as a surprise.
As far as we know, women in Mulayam’s family have remained in the background. Dimple, a cultured and shy daughter of an army officer, has matured into a mother of three in her eight years of marriage. She never displayed any inclination to enter public life – never shared political platforms with her father-in-law or husband in the past. Dimple, however, certainly brought a whiff of change in Mulayam’s lifestyle – from the décor of his drawing room to the crockery and cutlery used at home. Also she is the first woman from the family to enter politics. I would welcome her plunge into politics straight from the kitchen if I could change Mulayam’s views on 33 percent quota for women. And it’s high time they finally stop making a hue and cry over the dynasty issue. Hasn’t it become pretty accepted in the country for a son to take a profession in legacy and not earn it?
(2 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)
Loading ...Posted by Sunita Aron on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Filed under India · Tagged Akhilesh Yadav, Hindustan Times, Lalu Yadav, Lok Sabha, Mulayam Yadav, news, State assemblies, Yadav chieftains
@Sunita mam
You r hitting the nail on the head. Ur article clearly expose the double standrads prevailing in the plotics on one side they dont allow women to enter in the politics but loved dynastic politics for their vested interest.
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sunita Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
thanks Abhishek
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I have found this tendency of writing in a derisive manner about Smt Rabdi Devi. It is not the first time that wives and daughters have been entrusted with the matters of state. Nobody dared say or write about Smt Shalititai Patil when she was a virtual de facto Chief Minister of Maharashtra during the term of Vasant Dada Patil. Miss Jayalalitha was a novice when she was made publicity advisor and elected to Rajya Sabha. Smt Supriya Sule was suddenly picked out of no where and elected to Rajya Sabha. She has been given the reigns of NCP. Scams associated with their or family name are of no less magnitude. Mehbooba Mufti has made a good use of her family name. Some women are their in spite of their family name. Brinda Karat and Sushma Swaraj of present lot stand out distinctly. There have been some very outstanding women politicians. Nandini Satpathy, Sarojini Mahishi, Sucheta Kriplani are a few whose names can be recollected without efforts. By and large reservations for the women is a sham and should not be there. If a women is outstanding there is nothing that can stop her.
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sunita Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Nutsure,
——nothing can stop her —- not in politics
There are so many who toil, compromise — but don’t make it
And there is nothing against Rab di devi
there are so many like her in politics– take for instance Dimple
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Seriously what’s the difference between Sonia Gandhi and Rabri devi . Both are illiterate both are in power due to their illustrious husbands.
One speaks broken hindi other speaks broken english..
All these mediamen litrally grovel before sonaia Gandhi btu whenever they talk abotu Rabri Devi you can sense of utter lack fo respect in their words..
I call this Safedi Ki Chamkar.. I am 1000% sure had Rajeev gandhi married a black woman this complete grovelling wud not have materialized at her feet..
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sunita Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Anil ,
that’s being sarcastic
I wrote about promotion of family women and not the women on streets
who is glorifying sonia
she occupies the position because of gandhi tag
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