Bhubaneswar, Jan. 6: Appas and mausis have taken centre stage as 50 per cent wards have been reserved for women.

This time, as many as 200 women are contesting from different wards of the city showing an increasing presence and participation of women in active politics.

Of the 67 wards, 34 are reserved for women candidates, 10 for OBC, two for ST and three for SC candidates. In the reserved wards, 177 women are in the fray.

But even in the unreserved wards, the number of women contestants is 23, a good figure considering that the Assembly has only seven women MLAs. Of them, six are from the BJD and only one from the Congress. In this context, the corporation poll scenario is a quantum leap.

“Many say that there should not be any reservation for women if they wish to stand on equal footing with men. But till men make the environment conducive for the girl child to grow and women to work at anytime of the day, they should not say that. It is an extremely welcome move that 50 per cent seats have been reserved for women in the civic polls,” said social activist Shruti Mohapatra.

However, the enthusiasm to contest comes with a baggage.

Take the case of Rashmirekha Jena. The Independent candidate from ward No. 8 quickly winds up her campaign to be by the side of her four-year-old daughter, who is suffering from appendicitis.

“I must reach and feed her,” says Jena.

The passion for politics has made many women compromise their family life. But hopes are high.

“I have been working for the area for more than 10 years and actively involved in helping distressed women. From bailing people out of police cases, to helping them reach hospitals in emergency situations. Though I was denied a party ticket, I am confident that people will remember what I have done for them,” adds Jena.

In the same ward, Linkan Subudhi, a new entrant who managed to grab a BJD ticket, is busy with her supporters.

“People who watch television and read newspapers know Linkan, but they will not vote for her. Poor people and those from the lower-middle class strata look for a known face, who they can count on during their time of need,” said Minakhi Panda, a voter.

“For us, it will be convenient to elect a women representative whom we know,” the 45-year-old said.

Sita Murmu from ward No. 16 says she hasn’t cooked for her family since over a month. “There is neither time to cook nor eat. We are ordering food from the hotel. Politics can be really difficult, but the drive to achieve keeps me going,” she says.

Runu Bhuyan from ward No. 1 has focused on the Shikarchandi basti to garner support. “I am focusing on the women and the old. The women here are regularly harassed by their drunken husbands and live a miserable life. They need security, education for the kids and health facilities,” she said adding that it was easier to connect with women.

“I have also promised good roads, BPL inclusion and electricity connections,” she said.

“The elderly have been demanding a crematorium for some time. I will see that their demands are fulfilled,” Bhuyan said.

Women candidates feel campaigning an easier job for their male counterparts.

“They often pocket votes with by offering money and booze. But we only interact with the people and try to build support. Yet, most voters fall for the bait of male candidates,” said Jena.

“The matter is even worse if you have no party support and well moneyed. Independent candidates have to bear the costs and spend for themselves in campaigning which is a huge amount,” said Independent candidate of ward No. 42 Sabita Jena.

The notion of women candidates enjoying the backing of their husbands is not always the case.

“In my case, my husband and kids were opposed to my interest in politics. Therefore, I get no support from home. During campaign days, I operate from my parents place so that I do not lose my peace of mind arguing with my family. I hope their notion will change when I win,” said a woman contestant requesting anonymity.

In ward No. 32, the ‘fight’ is the family. Pramodini Jena has locked horns with her mother-in-law Sushma Jena.

“Relationships and elections are two different things. It might go wrong ruining your family bonds and utmost care has to be taken so that our goal remains only to serve the people,” said Sushma.