Ranchi, September 7, 2026: AJSU Party central president and former Jharkhand deputy chief minister Sudesh Kumar Mahto has called for a change in the way women are viewed in politics, saying they should not be treated merely as a vote bank or a means of mobilising crowds for political programmes.
Speaking at a women’s dialogue and membership programme at his residential office in Ranchi on Monday, Mahto said women should be given leadership responsibilities and greater opportunities to become economically self-reliant.
He said Jharkhand’s overall development would not be possible without strengthening the economic and social position of women.
Focus on income, employment and leadership
Mahto said the objective of forming women’s groups should not be restricted to savings, loans and recovery of money.
According to him, the broader purpose should be to bring women together and connect them with economic activities, employment, business opportunities and leadership.
He outlined the idea of a “Kamau Didi” model under which women could earn around ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 a month from home while maintaining dignity and independence.
He said achieving this would require not only access to capital but also training, markets and the development of a business-oriented approach.
Economic independence can strengthen decision-making
Mahto said economic independence can increase women’s participation in important family decisions and strengthen their standing within the household.
He emphasised that women should have an equal role in decisions concerning family land, children’s education and the future of the family.
Women participating in the programme also echoed the call for greater political and social participation. Preeti Kumari, Seema Kujur, Nisha Oraon, Suman Devi, Sarita Devi, Neha Kachhap, Sunita Devi and Usha Devi said women should be viewed as a source of leadership rather than merely as a vote bank or a crowd at political events.
They stressed the need for equal opportunities and dignified participation for women.
Hundreds join AJSU Party
During the programme, hundreds of women reportedly joined the AJSU Party, expressing support for Sudesh Kumar Mahto’s leadership and the party’s ideology.
The programme began with a two-minute silence in tribute to Sudivya Kumar Sonu, the late Jharkhand education minister.
AJSU central general secretary Prof Ravishankar Maurya, central media coordinator Parwaz Khan, Ranchi district president Sanjay Mahto, Ranchi district women’s president Veena Devi, Kanke block president Aman Shahdev, Rupashree Gadi and several other party office-bearers and workers were present at the event.
