‘Give us MPs who genuinely represent us, not switch parties’: What all will draw Pune women’s votes

Excited though she is as this is the first time she will exercise her franchise, Bhosale is not sure who to cast her vote for. “I want to vote for someone who ensures that prices are kept under control,” she says.

This is a common sentiment that echoes across a majority of women. Meena Mehta, a private school manager, says her major demand is better pay scale. “The government should also consider setting aside grants for private schools,” Mehta added. She also hopes the representative she elects would ensure ease of commuting in highly-congested roads.

“While this is a general election, yes, but, sadly, over the years, our demands for regular drinking water supply in some areas have not been heeded to,” she added.

“As women, we do not want to be extolled as `devis’, just want to exercise our rights as voter-citizens. We want a free and fair election and be able to voice our concerns without fear of being trolled or targeted,” Kiran Moghe, a trade union activist told The Indian Express.

Moghe pointed out she wanted a non-corrupt candidate who will not switch parties for his or her vested interests, but work for the interests of the common people and the country. “We want decent jobs and a right to live without fear of violence, not some empty slogans and tall promises.. Just give us MPs who will genuinely represent us,” she added.

Feminist activist Dr Manisha Gupte pointed out that the forthcoming national elections are a wake-up call for everyone. “Let us utilize this opportunity to choose what we want and deserve for ourselves: protection of the values and rights enshrined in our Constitution versus the breakdown of democratic institutions; a country united in its diversity versus a caste-ridden and misogynist society riddled with religious and ethnic exclusions; non-violence versus violent identity politics; social justice versus injustice; and, equality versus rapidly growing inequalities. Let’s exercise our constitutional right to vote freely, beyond the narrow constraints of caste and religion,” Dr Gupte told The Indian Express.

According to Meena Seshu, general secretary of Sangram Sanstha, there is a need for a government that would ensure safety for all, irrespective of caste, religion, work, and gender identity. “We need our representatives to ensure that 50 per cent of the seats will be reserved for women and transgender persons,” Seshu added.

Representatives of the sex workers’ rights movement want to cast their vote in favour of those who recognize sex work as work. “Decriminalise sex work, ensure safe working conditions and recognize the unions of sex workers as part of the self-employed informal work, representatives of the sex workers’ rights movement,” said Renuka Kale, president of National Network of Sex Workers.