Pink pride: 105 in, but power equation hazy

Infamously known as the `pehalwan' of minister Ro shan Baig, M Ishtiyaq has proved he is as much a politician as a wrestler, by ensuring that his wife Farida was elected corporator of Shivajinagar ward (92) for the second time. She led by 9,202 votes.
Ishtiyaq, a former rowdysheeter, clutched Farida's hands, then led the way as she walked out of the counting centre on Queen's Road, and the media thronged the duo.The power equation was clear: when TOI asked her about her priorities for the ward, the class 7 dropout nudged him and said, “My husband will speak.“
The new BBMP council will have 105 women corporators, six more than the 99 seats reserved for them. The six who scored trounced men in their wards include BJP's V Shantha Kumari, former mayor who won from Maruthi Mandira ward (126). Her two major rivals were men from the Congress and JD(S).
Most of the victorious women, however, swear by their men. Chandramma K from Kempegowda ward (1), is a first time winner on the BJP ticket from Yelahanka. The SSLC dropout says: “My husband is a two-time councillor and has a lot of contacts. That will help me get work done in my ward.Roads, drinking water supply and drainage are my priorities.“
Most of the husbands are either former councillors or men with criminal back grounds who are affili ated to major parties. “I will continue doing good work done by our former councillor. My focus will be women's empowerment, particularly to make more women literate. I will also take all steps to maintain cleanliness in my ward,“ said Malathi Somashekar, BJP councillor elected from Shakambari Nagar ward.
When TOI called Umme Salma, elected from Kushalna gar ward (31) on a JD(S) ticket, the number dialled was her husband Kamar Basha's. And all that Pramila Anand, wife of ex-councillor V Anand of the BJP had to say was: “I'll continue to work under my husband's guidance and advice. He has been a good councillor and will help me work.“
However, R Padmavati representing Chowdeshwari ward (2) stood by herself, ready to face what fate decided for her.Hailing from the weavers' community , she is married to an electronics engineer who now manufactures sarees on the power loom. Padmavati was the only Congress winner in Yelahanka, toppling Vani Vishwanath, wife of MLA S Vishwanath, by about 3,000 votes.
“I am a homemaker from a middle-class family tolerating the issues faced by the common man. Although I couldn't continue studies after PU, I have the civic sense to judge the condition of my ward and take action,“ she told TOI.