Noted classical dancer and chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam Dr. Mallika Sarabhai on Thursday said that Kerala should serve as a role model for ensuring gender equality in the country's elections. 

"Because of the favourable political climate here, the state should set the tone for a fresh start by increasing women's representation in elections," she stated. 

Although Kerala has an educated group of women and people leaders, she opined that even the situation is dire in the state. She further stated that while the political parties support female reservations, they aren't taking an honest stance on the issue.