I feel that I have won the complete admiration and support of the people.
They wish that the rotation system operational in Karnataka should not
apply to me, as they want me to be the President for the full term. However,
since the government’s Order now is that the previous President retains the
post of Vice-President after the rotation, they feel I will be able to make my
influence adequately felt. Despite the peoples’ support, I feel there is still
about 25 percent resistance to women elected representatives like me in the
Panchayat.
I did not stand for elections for the five-year period in between my two terms as
having gained courage and knowledge through my first experience I wished to
give other women a chance. If women get the chance, they will work towards
health, education, and family development. After five years were over, people
requested me to stand for election again as they felt that not much work had
been done in this period. This led to an awkward situation, as my sister-in-
law was my opponent. She requested me to give her a chance this time but it
appears the village did not want her. The villagers funded my campaign while
my sister-in-law spent Rs. 20,000 from her own pocket.
I would consider contesting for the Block Panchayat, the District Panchayat,
for the post of MLA and even MP. I believe women can and should be active
in politics and after working at the grass-roots level, move higher up in the
decision making process. I want to support other women to stand for election
and do as much as possible to improve education standards. Education is the
key. I have been helped also by the support of my husband who takes pride in
my work. I feel he is understanding and is giving me the chance to empower
others as I myself have been empowered.