BJP entrusts Manipuri Women's power; upcoming assembly election under woman state BJP President A. Sharda Devi

Nupi Keithel popularly knows as Ima Keithel symbolizes the role of Manipuri women in the upliftment of socio economy status of Manipuri Society.

Appointment of a woman as state president of the Nations biggest political party BJP is seen as recognition of women's power , a step forward for woman empowerment in the state.

BJP just ahead of the state assembly elections - appointing A Sharda Devi as president of the state unit shows the trust and BJP's firm belief on the capability of Manipuri Women in handling the critical juncture of the volatile state.

The first ever female state BJP president in the Northeast, A. Sharda Devi took over as the new president in the month of June after the death of Prof. S Tikendra Singh, who succumbed to COVID-19 on May 13 at a hospital in Imphal.

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In an exclusive tete-a-tete with InsideNE Editor-in-Cheif Afrida Hussain, Sharda Devi delves deeper on handling such a responsible post as well the challenges on the way.

Afrida Hussain: The economy of Manipur is dominantly handled by women as it is evident with the Ima markets in the state. Now, women are handling politics as well. You have become the first female BJP state President in the Northeast that too of the most powerful political party BJP. What is you take on that?

A. Sharda Devi: The Imas or the womenfolk of Manipur has always been fighters and they have emerged tearing through the obstacles in every field. They were there even during the fight against the British. Their marks have been there economically as you have said.

Now, politically also it is emerging.

Our Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a dream that those who are are treated as 'backward' should be empowered. This very dream of the Prime Minister has empowered us politically.

Even though Manipur appears to be matriarchal, yet in the eyes of society women are shackled at times. Sometimes we do not get that opportunity to come out and work in the field politics. Yet.. I took it as a challenge and that's how I marched forward.

Afrida Hussain: What kind of challenges you had to face during your political journey?

A. Sharda Devi: Earlier I was a Counsellor in the local body. When I contested for the elections, I had to face severe  challenges. Even my character was put under the scanner.

Despite all the hiccups on the way, I sustained and have been working in the field of politics for 26-27 years now.

Now, no one has the guts to raise even a finger at me and question my character.

The Imas of Manipur are very hardworking and they are equipped with the skills to challenge.

I am the daughter of an Ima.

I am grateful that PM Modi acknowledged our Imas a provided us the opportunity to step into the field of politics

Afrida Hussain: Being in such a responsible post, how do you manage the 'patriarchal' environment around you in politics?

A. Sharda Devi: For a mother, it is an easy task.

A woman leaves her family and goes to a new house. She embraces the house and family as her own. She becomes a mother, looks after the family and manages everything. In the same manner we can also manage politics.

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