HVK Archives: BJP is committed to reservation for women (Interview with Rita Verma)
BJP is committed to reservation for women (Interview with Rita Verma) - The Times of India
Shardah Uniyal
()
August 3, 1998
Title: BJP is committed to reservation for women (Interview with Rita Verma)
Author: Shardah Uniyal
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 3, 1998
>From a conservative household where women's entry into politics
was unthinkable, Rita Verma has come a long way. A lecturer at
the Ranchi Women's College, she was elected a member of the Lok
Sabha for the first time in 1991 from the Dhanbad constituency in
Bihar Now a third-time member of parliament, she has been
nominated by the BJP for the post of deputy speakership of the
Lok Sabha. Daughter of a judge and widow of a senior IPS officer,
she says she had never thought of entering politics. "I was happy
teaching. Given the background I come from, I Could never imagine
entering politics. Everyone, including my in-laws an (I my
parents, were opposed to my joining politics, even though I had
been getting feelers from all the parties. Eventually one day I
decided I would not let others decide for me. I went and filed my
nomination. Since then everyone has been very encouraging," she
says, "but it was a painful transition for me - from a very shy,
private person, to a public person, and from a lazy housewife to
a hardworking politician. "Excerpts from an interview with
Shardah Uniyal:
Q: Your nomination for the deputy speakership of the Lok Sabha
has suddenly thrown you into the hustle and bustle of mainstream
politics. Do you think you would be able to tackle the growing
indiscipline in the House?
A: I have been a member of Parliament for the last seven years
and by now I am used to the rough and tumble in the House. My
party has always encouraged me. It has reposed faith in my
capabilities and entrusted me with tough responsibilities. For
instance, from 1994 onwards, I have always been nominated for the
panel of chairpersons, I was the joint secretary of the
parliamentary party and in the twelfth Lok Sabha I was also
offered the chairmanship of a standing committee.
Q: Well, as you have been a presiding officer for some time, can
you recall handing any difficult situation in the Lok Sabha?
A: There have been several situations which I think I have
managed very well.
Q: You look very gentle and soft spoken, one wonders how you
would control the melee in Parliament especially during Zero
Hour?
A: The looks of an Indian woman are really deceptive. They may
look soft, calm and quiet but I believe Indian women are
otherwise very tough. They can handle any situation pretty well.
Q: It is being said that the BJP is fielding you the cover their
embarrassment on the Women's Reservation Bill.
A: According to what I know, there were suggestions from the
allies that a woman candidate should be proposed for this post
because unlike in the Rajya Sabha even after 50 years of
Independence, the Lok Sabha has never had a lady Speaker or
deputy Speaker. The BJP, in any case, has also been promoting the
cause of women. Though I can hardly answer why the choice fell on
me; perhaps you should ask the party. Also, I would like to
clarify that there is no embarrassment on the part of the BJP
over the Women's Reservation Bill as everyone knows that the
party was very keen on it. Unfortunately, the two-thirds majority
was lacking.
Q: Even though your party has publicly supported the Women's
Reservation Bill, how serious is the BJP in putting it on the
state book?
A: Everyone knows the party has always been very serious on the
issue and is committed to reservations for women.
Q: Do you feel that reservation of seats would help achieve
women's emancipation? What is your stand?
A: I am 100 per cent in favour of the bill. I know that it is
very difficult for a woman to get a break and this Bill is all
about getting a break. It does not reserve the seats for
eternity, it's only for three terms.
Q: Having been a university teacher, don you think equality for
women can be guaranteed better through education which makes them
self-reliant?
A: I would like to repeat here what Baba Saheb Ambedkar used to
say: 'political power is the key to all the locked doors'. If
you get political power you can achieve anything. You can bring
about the right legislations, and laws can play a vital role in
furthering women's cause. Also, decisions on women's issues have
to be taken by women. Why should men decide for them?
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