Sushma Andhare The Bridge Chronicle
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Women’s Commission or Political Opportunity? Sushma Andhare Takes a Dig at Rupali Chakankar

Andhare stated: "For the last five years, the Women’s Commission has been virtually non-existent. Instead of serving its intended purpose, it has been seen at corporate gatherings.

Salil Urunkar

Pune: The tenure of the non-governmental members of the Maharashtra Women’s Commission ended in January, leaving the commission functioning without these appointees. The government is expected to announce new appointments soon, but the process is already causing friction among the allied parties of Mahayuti.

With the expiration of the term of members appointed during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regime, many Mahayuti leaders and workers are eyeing these positions. All three parties within the alliance—BJP, Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party—have a large number of aspirants vying for a spot in the commission.

Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar has already received a three-year extension, ensuring her continued leadership. However, it is anticipated that most of the new appointments under her leadership will favor workers from Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Reports suggest that BJP and Shiv Sena are actively lobbying for these influential positions, leading to growing tensions within the Mahayuti alliance.

The Women’s Commission comprises a chairperson, six non-governmental members, a member secretary, and the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) as an ex-officio member. The government also sanctions administrative positions for the commission. With the six non-governmental posts currently vacant, political circles are abuzz with speculation over the upcoming appointments.

Amidst these political maneuvers, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has strongly criticized the functioning of the Women’s Commission. She alleged that the commission has remained largely inactive and has not made any significant contributions to addressing women's issues.

In a sharp remark, Andhare stated: "For the last five years, the Women’s Commission has been virtually non-existent. Instead of serving its intended purpose, it has been seen at corporate gatherings. And now, the Mahayuti alliance is supposedly in conflict over it. Whether this commission is controlled by BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, or Ajit Pawar-led NCP, does the person holding the position even possess legal knowledge, intelligence, or the willingness to work for women?

These commissions serve no real purpose; they are more of an obstacle than a necessity. Rather than fighting over appointments, the government should dissolve the commission altogether."

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