Bhubaneswar, Dec 19: If the political parties will play the women's card in upcoming assembly elections, many women leaders are likely to be fielded in nine assembly constituencies of Cuttack district. The glimpses have already been witnessed in some constituencies. Women leaders of the three major political parties in the state are getting active, trying to connect with voters in many assembly segments.
In Barabati -Cuttack assembly constituency, BJP women leader Smruti Patnaik is seen attending various social gatherings and functions. Her supporters are also now active. She is also seen in a tea stall talk in the morning as well as in the evening.
Similarly, Cuttack-Barabati MLA Mohammad Moquim ‘s daughter Sofia Firdous is in the limelight. It is believed that Moquim may not contest the next election and his daughter Firdous might replace him this time. Sofia is also seen participating in various cultural, and social functions and active in connecting with the people through the Moquim Foundation.
In the Salipur Assembly segment, Apoorba Aproopa is very much active in BJD politics. Hailing from a political family, Apoorba has been associated with BJD politics after being elected as President of Rama Devi College students union in 2014. She has been conducting various programs to get closer to the people in Salipur constituency for many years. One of her rallies and demonstrations organized in Salipur was highlighted a few months ago.
In Niali assembly seat, former Congress MLA candidate Mamata Bhoi seems to be fully active this time. In 2O19, she had secured 12659 votes and came in third place. Even after being defeated in the elections, Mamata is still going around various panchayats and organizing various programs. Among the prospective candidates in BJD, Sandhyarani Das's name is also being discussed for the BJD ticket.. Sandhya Rani was chairperson and vice chairperson of Kantamal Block in 1992 and 1997 respectively.
Similarly in Cuttack Sadar constituency, Subhadra Das's name is in the limelight. Subhadra, a BJD ticket aspirant, now holds the post of vice-president of Zilla Parishad.
If BJD plays the women’s card nominating the leaders belonging to fair sex party for the coming election, many sitting MLAs and aspirants would be out of race automatically. Therefore, some leaders may want their daughters, daughter-in-laws, or closest female supporters to be party candidates to keep power in their hands.
