When will Kerala have a female chief minister in the near or distant future? T Geenakumari (CPM), Veena S Nair (UDF), and R Sharadakutty (moderator), three fiery women with conflicting views, captivated the crowd with their speeches, as did Kerala's favourite political analyst, A Jayashankar, during a discussion at the ongoing Mathrubhumi International Literature Festival on Saturday. 

Geenakumari began the discussion by outrightly mentioning how she was not part of the policy-making but was a mere member of the communist party. She spoke of the glorious history of communist parties around the world that have been exemplary in providing opportunities to women. But she was of the opinion that reservation alone is not enough. More women need to get into active politics, become party members and then make their way to the top. 

“I do not ascribe to the idea that a female chief minister will be revolutionary. I don’t consider it to be a big thing. Neither do I think that it will pave the way for any wave of change towards a more female-friendly Kerala.”

She gave the example of Margret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi and Draupadi Murmu, who despite having the power to do so, did not formulate any women-oriented policies. She pointed out how Murmu could not even attend the inauguration of the new parliament building.

Jayashankar began his words by giving numerous examples of overshadowed women. He spoke about how Indian political history has many examples of women leaders being brought in as placeholders for male leaders. Even Indira Gandhi was scouted, eyeing the vote bank that she would bring in with Nehru’s legacy. 

“All the famous women in politics were ones that came from established addresses. Mamta Banerjee is the only exception as she fought for every inch of the place that she found for herself on the political scene,” he opined.

He said he agrees with Geethakumari’s views that nothing much will change with one woman coming forward as the chief minister. He called out Indian democracy as a mimicry of democratic principles and opined how true democracy can never be practised here as India is essentially a feudal land. 

“Why has no SC/ST person been given an important portfolio in the Assembly? They are always given a certain set of departments. So it’s not just women, all minorities have been ignored in this manner,” Jayashankar opined.

Veena, on the other hand, focused on how there was a dearth of capable women to take up positions of power. She gave the example of ‘manly’ female leaders from other states. She added that this lack is essentially due to the socio-economic, and educational problems in Kerala which condition women to think in a limited manner.

“Not just a chief minister, Kerala should also have a female Speaker. The political parties cannot even entrust a woman with the responsibility of handling 140 MLAs, then how will they give the CM seat to a woman?” she asked. 

“Women should realise their abilities and come forward with the belief that they can break through the patriarchal barriers that surround them,” Veena added.

Many in the audience took offence to the speaker ascribing to the stereotypical belief that a woman needs to have manly qualities to become an able leader. With this, the speakers were forced to accept that their statements were wrong.