Breaking Barriers: Rabia Kidwai’s Historic Candidacy in Nuh
In Haryana’s predominantly Muslim district of Nuh, a region recognized as one of the country’s most underdeveloped areas, Rabia Kidwai is making headlines. Defying social and cultural norms, she is the first woman to contest the upcoming assembly elections. In a locality where it is uncommon to see women without veils, Rabia’s decision to step into the political arena marks a significant shift in societal attitudes.
Challenges Ahead for Rabia Kidwai
A 34-year-old entrepreneur from Gurugram, Rabia acknowledges the challenges she faces but sees herself as a catalyst for change. Running as a candidate for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), she understands that her journey is filled with obstacles, including deep-rooted gender biases, the “outsider” label in Nuh, and the widespread lack of political awareness among voters.
Political Legacy
Rabia comes from a distinguished lineage, being the granddaughter of the former governor, Akhlaq-ur-Rehman Kidwai. In this election, she is pitted against seasoned politicians like Congress veteran Aftab Ahmed and the Indian National Lok Dal’s (INLD) Tahir Hussain, who enjoy considerable local influence. Despite these formidable opponents, Rabia is eager to reclaim her family’s political legacy while promoting the significance of female representation in politics.
Engaging Women in Politics
During her campaign, Rabia has encountered numerous women who rarely voice their political concerns. She emphasizes the importance of including women’s voices in political discussions, stating, “Women here often mention they’ve never been able to approach a political party office with their issues.” Despite improvements over the decades, she notes that the sight of a woman contesting elections remains a rarity.
Vision for Development
Rabia firmly believes in the potential of Nuh and envisions transforming it into an area similar to Gurgaon, particularly in relation to education and infrastructure. Nuh was formed in 2005 from segments of the former Gurgaon and Faridabad districts, and yet, its development lags significantly behind. She remarks, “The gap between Nuh and the development seen in Sohna and Gurgaon is glaring.” These insights point not just to regional disparities but also to a broader opportunity for reform.
The Aftermath of Violence
Recent communal violence in Nuh has further motivated citizens to seek change, with many feeling let down by their current representatives. Rabia asserts that such violence should not define the community, stating, “It was a publicity stunt by ruthless individuals.” She is committed to steering her campaign towards addressing concerns and fostering unity among voters.
The Political Landscape in Nuh
Despite the historical precedent of women contesting elections in Nuh, no female candidate has ever secured a parliamentary seat from the region. Shamshad made history as the first woman candidate from Ferozepur Jhirka in 1977 and since then, several women have tried their luck, with no successful outcomes. Haryana, which was carved out from Punjab in 1966, maintains a dismal gender ratio, and only 87 women have ever served in the state assembly.
Upcoming Elections
The stakes are high as Haryana approaches elections for the 90-member Assembly on October 5, with vote counting scheduled for October 8. Rabia Kidwai’s candidacy not only signifies a personal journey but could herald a broader shift in women’s political representation in this conservative region.
Conclusion
As she traverses the campaign trail, Rabia Kidwai embodies the spirit of change, striving to dismantle barriers that have long hindered women’s political engagement. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for many, highlighting the urgent necessity for representation and development in one of India’s most challenging environments.
