Exit polls: After 10 years, Jharkhand may get female MPs

RANCHI: In the two decades since its creation, Jharkhand has had just one female representative in the Lok Sabha. Only Sushila Kerketta had managed to win from Khunti in 2004. But if most exit polls of 2019 general elections are to be believed, the state may get two female faces in the Lower House this time.
In Singhbhum, Congress fielded Jagannathpur MLA Geeta Koda against BJP’s incumbent MP Laxman Gilua.In Koderma, the saffron party pitted RJD turncoat Annapurna Devi against mahagathbandhan candidate Babulal Marandi (JVM-P). Exit polls have predicted victory for both these women. If the two women win, then the share of women among Jharkhand MPs in Lok Sabha will rise to 14.28%.
Geeta said she is prepared to take up female-centric issues if she makes it to Parliament.
“Polls aren’t the only time when I connect with people. Campaigning may have ended, but I am still spending time with people to hear their problems. I believe I will be the right person to draw attention towards issues concerning women — be it health or anything else. Talking about Singhbhum, maternal health, malnutrition and infant mortality are some of the biggest concerns,” Koda said.
Annapurna Devi will play a role in fulfilling NDA’s promise of increasing female representation in Parliament, said BJP workers. She, however, couldn’t be contacted for comments.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said: “We are expecting to win at least 13 of the 14 LS seats in Jharkhand. With exit polls indicating a win for our only female candidate, Annapurna Devi, in the state, we are hoping to live up to our promise of increasing female representation in the Lok Sabha.”