metro india news  I hyderabad

Despite constituting half the state's population, women in Telangana are consistently side-lined in political party organisational set-ups, receiving only token positions even as parties aggressively court their votes during elections. While women excel in key roles across government, private sectors, and even in high-stakes operations like "Operation Sindhur," political barriers remain firmly in place, sparking widespread debate.

Major parties, including the ruling Congress, BJP, and BRS, have faced sharp criticism for overlooking women in district-level leadership. Although some representation exists in state committees, appointments to district party president roles reveal stark gender disparities. Women leaders from within these parties express deep frustration, questioning why their votes are valued but leadership opportunities are not.

The Congress, which champions women's welfare schemes under the banner of "Indiramma Rajyam," has drawn ire from its own female members for discriminatory practices in internal appointments. Recently, the party announced 36 District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents across districts and urban units, with two more pending for Ranga Reddy and Sangareddy. Amid claims of upholding social justice, only four women secured these roles—a mere fraction that has fueled discontent.

The appointees are: Suguna (Adilabad), Thotadevi Prasanna (Bhadradri Kothagudem), Lakavath Dhanvanthi (Jangaon) and Bhukya Uma (Mahabubabad) Women insiders argue that if social justice is the party's ethos, why does it evade gender equity? BJP: Hypocrisy on 33% Reservation The BJP, which led the push for a 33% women's reservation bill in Parliament—set for implementation in next general elections—has been accused of greater bias at home. 

This year, the party appointed 38 district presidents in three phases, covering 33 districts plus urban units for better outreach. Shockingly, just two women made the list: Challa Srilatha Reddy (Suryapet) and C. Godavari (Sangareddy). Female BJP leaders challenge the party: If legal mandates for 33% women's seats are progressive, why not mirror this in internal promotions?

BRS: Stagnation in Old Structures

The BRS, still operating with previous committees amid ongoing restructuring, mirrors the trend. Of its 38 district presidents (spanning 33 districts and urban areas), only four are women, appointed during its tenure in power. They are: Padma Devender Reddy (Medak), Maloth Kavita (Mahabubabad),Gandra Jyothi (Jayashankar Bhupalpally) and MLA Kova Lakshmi (Asifabad). Pink party spokespersons cite the pending process to constitute new committees, but critics see it as reluctance to empower women.

Even left-wing parties offer scant opportunities for women as district secretaries, per available records. Across the spectrum, parties are lambasted for stifling women's political growth. While a handful of women serve as MLAs or MPs, many lament the lack of autonomy in decision-making, underscoring a systemic failure to foster true leadership. As Telangana's women demand equity, the gap between electoral rhetoric and real power remains glaring—prompting calls for parties to walk the talk on gender inclusion.