Hardly any women are there in politics and legislative assemblies in North Eastern states

New Delhi: It is rather tragic that north eastern states which take pride in their societies for giving space to women in many spheres of collective life have not given space to women in politics. In the recently held elections in Tripura, Nagaland and Maghalaya we hear a lot about victory of national and regional parties and the records they have created in registering such victories.

It is rather unfortunate that these elections have not registered victory for women's representation in politics and legislative assemblies.  In Nagaland no woman so far has been elected to the Assembly of the State and the present election is no exception.  

It is shocking that the State of Nagaland which witnesses women's presence and participation in every walk of life and which affirms equality and equal opportunities for women actually has no record of implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in grass roots democratic bodies.   

In fact when women demanded 33 per cent reservation in municipal bodies there was unusual resistance from men and as a result the constitutional provision of women's reservation for democratic bodies at the grassroots level could not be implemented. In Nagaland in January 2017 there was a hue and cry made against women getting reservation in politics. And in this election there is no women elected to the Assembly.  

The situation in Meghalaya is no better. It has a matrilineal tradition among the tribes. It takes pride in giving preeminent place to women in every sphere.  Men after marriage goes to women's family. Property is inherited by girls in the family. And yet politics is hardly the sphere where one finds adequate women in Maghalaya. It is indeed is disheartening. This means that like others States of our country patriarchy in north eastern societies holds sway and prevents women to get access to politics and public life.

# Mr Satya Narayan Sahu was OSD and Press Secretary to the late President of India Shri K.R. Narayanan and served as Director in the Prime Minister's Office. He is currently Joint Secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The views expressed by him are personal and not that of Rajya Sabha Secretariat.