Women's Day: Let's look at India's powerful women politicians
Though women in India are worshipped, the political-class has never been keen on sharing power with women. As per an Inter-Parliamentary Union study, in 2018, India ranks 148th among 193 countries as far as representation in the Parliament's Lower House is concerned. In such a scenario, however, there are a few trailblazing women who have left their indelible mark on Indian politics. Today, we celebrate them.
Indira Gandhi: From a gungi gudiya to Ma Durga
Our first woman PM, Indira Gandhi manipulated power and promenaded through politics with élan. While blazing onto the political scene, she was mocked as gungi gudiya. As PM, however, she was the messiah of the poor. After 1971 Bangladesh war, she was Shakti incarnate. Finally, as the imposer of emergency, she was a half-hearted dictator. This formidable "Iron lady" is Indian politics' very own baahubali!
Sonia Gandhi: PM's wife to almost-PM
Before entering the big bad world of politics, Sonia's life was a fairytale: beautiful damsel meets her prince Charming (Rajiv Gandhi) and lives happily ever after. However, this wasn't to be. After Rajiv's death, she was pushed into politics. From reviving Congress and "sacrificing" PM's post to being the "covert" PM and guiding son Rahul towards PM-ship, Sonia shaped Indian-politics for over two decades.
Jayalalithaa: The "Amma" of comebacks
Jayalalithaa is the lady with the Midas touch. For the masses, she was God-incarnate, "Amma," providing free mixers and laptops. For cine-goers, she was a prolific actress who entertained them in over 130 movies. She kept AIADMK together and became CM a record five-times. She was extremely influential: in 1999, after her demands weren't met, she brought the downfall of PM Vajpayee's 13-month government.
Mamata Banerjee: The tigress of Bengal
WB CM Mamata Banerjee's biggest achievement is that after years of political wilderness, in 2011, she managed to end almost 35-years of Left rule. Today, she keeps BJP on its toes, the Opposition guessing and the masses wrapped around her little finger. Her insecurity, stubbornness and unpredictability are legendary. Politicians may well say, "Thappad se darr nahi lagta, Mamata didi se lagta hai!"
Sushma Swaraj: First Delhi woman-CM to Twitterati's "badass" foreign minister
Before she became External Affairs minister and won over Twitter with her humor, candor and sassiness, Sushma Swaraj was once Haryana's youngest cabinet minister and Delhi's first woman CM. She is quick-witted, articulate and is respected for her phenomenal oratory skills. When she isn't strengthening diplomatic relations, she is rescuing stranded Indians abroad and performing humanitarian gestures, even winning hearts in Pakistan.
Mayawati: Diamond-decked Behenji who represents the poor and disadvantaged
A short, dowdy woman with a gaudy dressing sense and a fairly ordinary oratory skills isn't something that screams successful politician. But, that's what she is. The defender of "untouchables," Mayawati has broken all stereotypes to emerge as a four-time CM of populous UP. The Dalit Czarina is known to be autocratic, relying on few trusted lieutenants, whose "social engineering" propels her to power.
Nirmala Sitharaman: India's first woman Raksha Mantri
Considering that she is India's first woman Raksha Mantri, former BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman has a huge responsibility of proving her mettle. But, she wears the mantle with a quiet determination. From visiting military-bases and greeting Chinese soldiers on India-China's Nathu-La border to defending government's procurements and pushing for greater women participation in armed forces, Sitharaman will surely be remembered by history.
