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Women eye seats in India's Parliament

But female candidates face hurdles in society that sees them as unsuitable for politics

While women's representation in politics is low, India does have female leaders, such as firebrand Mamata Banerjee (left, top) and Ms Mayawati, also known as the queen of Dalits, a caste which faces much discrimination. Mrs Richa Katiyar Kanaujia is — Mrs Richa Katiyar Kanaujia is contesting India's elections for the first time under the Right to Recall Party, which aims to enable citizens to recall under-performing representatives before their terms are up.ST PHOTO: NIRMALA GANAPATHY

While women's representation in politics is low, India does have female leaders, such as firebrand Mamata Banerjee (left) and Ms Mayawati, also known as the queen of Dalits, a caste which faces much discrimination. ST PHOTO: NIRMALA GANAPATHY

Nirmala Ganapathy India Bureau Chief In New Delhi

Published
May 11, 2019, 5:00 am SGT

Mrs Richa Katiyar Kanaujia, a former scientist-turned-lawyer and now a politician, is brimming with excitement as she talks about contesting Indian parliamentary elections for the first time.

"Everyone is saying, why are you messing up your life by joining politics? I know this is a swamp. I am getting in with white clothes and when I come back, those are not going to be white," said Mrs Kanaujia.

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