Telangana, India’s newest State, is among a few States in the country where women have zero representation in the State Cabinet.
At a time when all political parties are supporting the demand for 33 per cent reservation for women in the legislative bodies across the country, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is likely to draw severe criticism for not inducting any minister in his 18 member cabinet. As against the expectations, the Chief Minister did not include any woman in his team during the cabinet’s first expansion on Tuesday.
There were several aspirants for cabinet berth under women’s quota. Warangal East MLA Konda Surekha and Asifabad MLA Kova Lakshmi had emerged as strong contenders till Monday. However, KCR did not consider their inclusion into his team. This move is all set to draw to severe critcism, especially from the Congress party which can boast of giving cabinet posts to almost half-a-dozen women leader from Telangana during its regime. Dr J Geetha Reddy, Sunitha Lakshma Reddy, Konda Surekha, DK Aruna and Sabitha Indira Reddy were members of Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy cabinet. They were also given top portfolios including Home (Sabitha Indira Reddy) and Major Industries (Geetha Reddy).
The Telugu Desam Party too may target the TRS Government for ignoring women in the State Cabinet. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had inducted three women in his team of 19 ministers. They are Paritala Sunitha (Civil Supplies), P Sujatha (Mines & Geology) and K Mrunalini (Rural Development).
However, TRS leaders are defending the Chief Minister’s move by assuring that KCR would nominate women leaders on other equally important and prestigious posts. (INN)