In an unprecedented and historic result of elections in Patna University 3 out of 5 top positions are secured by women. The victory is a moment of joy and celebration not only for the woman but the entire state where women’s empowerment and security are a major concern. This year’s election was also historic as it saw the rise of independent candidates and a turnout of 45.25 per cent only.
ABVP’s Maithil Mrinalini made history by becoming the first female president of the student union. Saloni Raj backed the post of general secretary as an independent candidate while NSUI’s Soumya Srivastava became the joint secretary along with Rohan after defeating Jan Suraj candidates.
CM Nitish Kumar congratulated the winners saying that this “reflects women’s empowerment in Bihar.” Hailing the achievement he credited the increased role of women to the Jeevika scheme which ensures 50 per cent women representation in the panchayat and the cycle scheme that has led to more women enrolling in schools and colleges.
The university elections have been crucial in the state’s political realm ever since the time of J P Narayan. With leaders like Lalu Prasad, Nitish Kumar, Ashwini Choubey and the late Sushil Kumar Modi being the products of Patna University’s student unions. This victory shows the change of tide in the university and the state signifying a better voice for women students and inclusiveness. The results also depict the nation’s stride towards more participation of women in politics.
With Rekha Gupta taking over as the new CM of Delhi, she also dates her political career back to the 1995 Delhi elections. Where congress Alka Lamba was the president and Rekha Gupta became the general secretary, the history seems to be repeating in a different state giving us the strong message of women leaders taking the country forward.
