Jhunjhunu: Several women from families of BJP functionaries have entered Zila Parishad elections in Jhunjhunu after the district chief’s post was reserved for women, bringing family-based politics into focus.Among the candidates are both daughters-in-law of former BJP MP Narendra Kumar, Harshini Kulhari and Anamika. Harshini has previously served as district chief and is currently the BJP district president, while Anamika is contesting an election for the first time.Diksha Ahlawat, daughter-in-law of former MP Santosh Ahlawat and daughter of former MLA Shubhkaran Chaudhary, has filed her nomination from ward 18 in Udaipurwati. Pooja Babal, wife of former BJP district general secretary Dr Rajesh Babal, is also contesting. She has previously served as a Zila Parishad member.Other candidates include Savita Punia, wife of the brother of former Surajgarh MLA Subhash Punia; Sumitra Singh, wife of former BJP district general secretary Sarjeet Chaudhary; and Meenu Gajraj, wife of former BJYM district president Satish Gajraj. Meenu has also previously served as a Zila Parishad member.Neha Punia, daughter of BJP state executive member and former national council member Vishwambhar Punia, is contesting from ward 39.The nominations have prompted questions over whether women’s reservation has opened up electoral opportunities primarily for women from established political families.
