Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 13: Even as political parties across the spectrum prepare to push for early implementation of the 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures, their candidate selection in ongoing Assembly elections tells a different story, with women making up less than 15 per cent of nominees in key states.

Despite strong rhetoric around the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, parties such as the BJP, Congress and Left have fielded relatively few women candidates in states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam.

An exception remains Naam Tamilar Katchi led by Seeman, which has consistently fielded women in nearly 50 per cent of seats in Tamil Nadu.

Among mainstream parties, the Trinamool Congress has the highest share, with 17.86 per cent women candidates, followed by others with significantly lower representation.

In West Bengal, the TMC fielded 52 women candidates out of 291 seats, while the BJP nominated 31 women (10.58 per cent) out of 293. The Congress fielded 40 women (13.6 per cent) out of 294, and the Left 35 (13.72 per cent) out of 255.

In Tamil Nadu, the DMK has fielded 18 women (10.97 per cent) out of 164 candidates, while the AIADMK has 19 (11.37 per cent) out of 167. The Congress has fielded only one woman (3.57 per cent) among 28 candidates, while the BJP has five women candidates (18.51 per cent) out of 27. Actor Vijay’s party TVK has fielded 23 women (9.82 per cent) out of 234.

In Kerala, where polling has concluded, the Left Democratic Front fielded 18 women candidates (12.85 per cent).

Political parties continue to court women voters — who make up nearly half of the electorate — through welfare promises and financial schemes, even as representation in ticket distribution remains limited.

Party leaders cite “winnability” and caste considerations as key factors influencing candidate selection. Studies also suggest that women from political families are more likely to receive tickets.

According to a 2025 report by the Association for Democratic Reforms, nearly 47 per cent of women MPs and MLAs in the country come from political families.

Reacting to being denied a ticket, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed expressed disappointment, stating that opportunities for women remain limited despite their capabilities. She was later appointed as a star campaigner in Kerala.

The contrast between policy commitments and on-ground implementation continues to raise questions over the pace of gender inclusion in Indian politics.