As other parties debate reservations for women in legislatures, the BJP takes the lead in setting aside one-third of party posts for women. The Sunday Express profiles the fresh faces in the party’s National Executive

LK Advani loves to share this tale with people. Almost half a century ago, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and he got themselves photographed in a group. A couple of years ago, an enterprising photojournalist captured the three, almost in a similar frame. The freeze-frame from the past was carried alongside the recent picture in a Hindi daily, and a proud Advani said that this camaraderie was only to be found in the BJP.

But there was one face missing in the frame. That was of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia. The picture was incomplete without the woman who saw the party (and its predecessor, the Jan Sangh) through its most difficult years.

The point is relevant at a time when all parties are debating the Women’s Reservation Bill and the BJP has taken the lead in reserving one-third of party posts for women. Though the Congress had earlier announced its intention to take such a step, it is yet to induct additional women into its set-up.

While 27 of the 81-strong BJP National Executive are now women, the number of women officebearers has reached an all time high of eight (of a total of 24). What’s more, BJP women’s wing chief Kiran Maheshwari recently demanded that the party recruit women fulltimers. They may not immediately get a proportionate share in ticket distribution, but the women members, nevertheless, can look forward to better times.

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