During the nation-building phase post-independence, several women emerged in politics, playing significant roles in policy-making through their representation in the Parliament. Let’s take a look at some such women who actively participated in student movements, freedom struggles, and then ventured into politics.
Tarakeshwari Sinha:
Tarakeshwari Sinha contested the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952 on a Congress ticket from the Patna East constituency. She was elected to the Lok Sabha four times. Before entering politics, she was a student leader and actively involved in the country’s first female politicians. She was actively involved in the Quit India Movement. She worked for the party after independence. She was elected to the first Lok Sabha from the Patna East constituency in 1952 at the age of 26. Later, she served as a minister in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet. During that time, she established herself as a progressive female politician. During that time, only those involved in public service and public engagement were given tickets.
Shakuntala Devi and Ramdulari Sinha:
In the 1957 Lok Sabha elections, Shakuntala Devi won from the Banka Lok Sabha seat. She played a significant role in the Congress organization. She served as a Lok Sabha member three times and later as an MLA as well. Similarly, in the 1962 elections, Ramdulari Sinha won from the Patna Lok Sabha seat and was a crucial female leader. She became a central minister and later a governor. She was Bihar’s first woman to obtain a master’s degree. Her entire family was deeply involved in the freedom struggle.
Satyabhama Devi:
In 1957 from Nawada and in 1962 from Jehanabad Lok Sabha seats, Satyabhama Devi was also elected. She played an active role in the Bhoodan Movement initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave after independence. She donated her 500-acre land under the Bhoodan movement to the poor. Many such examples exist. Until a couple of decades ago, priority was given to women with a serious political background when it came to giving tickets. However, exceptions arose where women from prominent families also contested elections.
Satyabhama Devi:
Satyabhama Devi won the Lok Sabha seats from Nawada in 1957 and from Jehanabad in 1962. She actively participated in the Bhoodan Movement led by Acharya Vinoba Bhave after independence. She donated her 500-acre land to the poor under the Bhoodan movement. There are many such examples. Until a couple of decades ago, women with a significant political background were given priority in ticket distribution. However, exceptions arose where women from prominent families also contested elections.
