Rural Development and Panchayat Raj minister Shobha Karandlaje may be fighting a losing battle, as the odds pitted against her are high. The current politico buzz is that she’s on her way out, but the city’s women activists feel it was probably easy to trade her off as “she is a woman.”
“She will face the axe as it is easy to gang up against the only woman in the cabinet,” said Madhu Bhushan of Vimochana, an NGO working for women rights.
However, some like Shubha Chako of Aneka feels that the situation is more complex than it appears. “There are two power houses: one with money clout, the other with powerful influence. As long as both work together, they are fine, but when they squabble, one has to go out. Shobha at one point in time wielded great influence. Politics may have its share of successful women leaders but it isn’t a rosy ride. Considered a male domain, the game of politics is often played by the rules men set. Moreover, Shobha had to play male politics,” points out Shubha.
However, Shobha is sill lauded by many for playing in the arena. Talent or not, women have to constantly work double to prove their talent. “Being a woman, she always had to prove her mettle,” said Shubha. Corruption and slackened work may be acceptable of men, but a slip from a woman makes her an easy target.
“With her out of the cabinet, a settlement is easier to reach, as otherwise they may want Yeddyurappa to step down. But, axing her can bring a possible compromise,” felt Madhu.
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