Noticeable rise in female participation in poll process

Lucknow: Whatever male chauvinist may say, female participation in the electoral process has grown steadily over the years since the year 2000 in Uttar Pradesh.

The voters' turn-out, for instance, had gone up to as much as 60 per cent in in 2012 assembly election in the state. Similar rise has been noticed in number of female voters and other areas.

The number of female contestants has also marked a rising trend. While only 39 women had joined the fray in 1962 assembly poll, in the year 2012 the number swelled to 583.

Average women voters per 1000 male voters stood at 828 in 1962 which was much higher in 2012.

According to a survey made by a news magazine,Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has strengthened his position among women voters. The rise was noticed in the wake of launching of women power line.

The sample survey was conducted in Agra, Mathura, Firozabad and Mainpuri districts of Agra Division. "Whoever we asked about their choice of chief minister between Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh, the answer was unequivocally, Akhilesh", noted the surveyor.

As much 80 per cent of women liked Akhilesh for making the streets safer for women through Women Power Line which has “largely controlled crimes against women in the city".