There are stories galore about husbands of women panchayat members taking charge of panchayat proceedings, defeating the purpose of women’s reservation in the grassroots’ bodies. However, a meeting of a gram panchayat in Chickballapur district saw a woman member taking a strong stand against another member’s husband who was trying to dictate terms, and challenged his authority.
On Wednesday, the woman member strongly resisted the participation of the husband of a zilla panchayat member in the meeting at Doddakurugodu gram panchayat in Gowribidanur taluk of Chickballapur district.
The GP falls in the Vidurashwatha Zilla Panchayat seat, which is represented by Pramila. Though she was present at the meeting, it was her husband, H.N. Prakash Reddy, who participated in all the discussions. This was objected to by Brinda, Nagasandra ward member. Ms. Brinda argued that he (Mr. Reddy) had no business taking part in the proceedings of a local body meeting. She stated that the seat was represented by Ms. Pramila and not him.
However, disregarding the objection raised by Ms. Brinda, Mr. Reddy continued to speak. When she further objected, Mr. Reddy asked her to leave the meeting. This infuriated Ms. Brinda, who retorted saying: “Who are you to tell me to get out?” She also told Mr. Reddy that it is he who ought to be leaving the meeting since he had no locus standi to stay. Though he did not leave the meeting, Mr. Reddy was clearly rattled by being challenged for the first time by a woman member.
Later, Ms. Brinda said: “We have got 50 per cent reservation after a long struggle. However, husbands and male relatives of members try to have their say in the bodies, which defeats the purpose.” She added that Panchayat Development Officers should not let such things happen.
We have got 50 p.c. reservation after a long struggle. But, husbands try to have their say in the proceedings, which defeats the purpose.
Brinda,
Nagasandra ward member
