family. This helped in convincing them. I fought hard as well and convinced
my husband to support me in my endeavor. My husband is an educated,
progressive man. He is currently completing a B. Ed degree in Jaipur. His own
exposure and interest in local politics and development made it easier for me
to convince him to support me. I am now a regular at THP-CECODECON
meetings. I am also an active member of the Mahila Panchayat Samiti (Elected
Women Leaders Federation) in Chaksu.
These trainings and exposure contributed greatly to my evolution as a leader. It
was only after I attended the training sessions that I fully understood my role
as President and realized the potential role I could play in the development
of the Panchayat. Most of all, the trainings, and exposure strengthened my
confidence. I campaigned for the elections in my ghoonghat (veil). Now, after
having seen the world and interacted with so many different people, I have
gained the confidence to remove it!
For me becoming a President has been a life changing experience. My aspirations
have grown. I will definitely stand for President elections again. However, I
also hope to become an MLA. Over the years, I have met and interacted with
countless officials, politicians, and Ministers. Yet, I still have to break in to
the local political space. I have had to contend with challenges from the local
MLA (whose vote bank belongs to those who opposed my candidature) and
have dealt with them with great fortitude. Yet, I have not been able to break
the barriers to enter in to mainstream party politics. I vote for the BJP, even
though my husband and his family support the Congress. I have a mind of
my own. However, I has never campaigned for the party or interacted with the
local BJP activist’s wing. Despite my education, confidence, and achievements
as President, if I want to realize my political ambitions, I know I have a long
hard battle ahead of me. In the meanwhile, politics remains a man’s job.