Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Poll: Young women achievers in politics

Last updated on: March 7, 2010 12:28 IST

Women's Day is coming up tomorrow and we're marking the occasion with a series on India's women achievers across the fields of entertainment, business, sports, politics and fashion.

Today, we take a look at five young women who have made a name for themselves in Indian politics. Vote for your favourite!

Agatha Sangma

She became India's youngest Parliamentarian in 2008 at the age of 27 and was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha last year to become the youngest minister in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's cabinet.

And if you thought that wasn't enough, Agatha Sangma is also the first ever woman MP to be elected from the state of Meghalaya. She represents the Tura constituency and her portfolio is minister of state for rural development.

In a country where political significance is seldom heard of before middle age, Sangma stands out as proof to the contrary. She also comes heavily qualified academically, holding an MA in Environmental Management from Nottingham University in the UK, as well as diplomas in Cyber Laws, Corporate Laws, Human Rights Laws and Securities & Investment Laws.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Priya Dutt

Last updated on: March 7, 2010 12:28 IST

Sanjay Dutt's younger sis has been an MP since 2005, when she was elected from her father Sunil Dutt's constituency, Mumbai North-West. She was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha last year as a candidate of the Indian National Congress -- the same political party that her parents belonged to -- from the Mumbai North Central constituency, as hers became after delimitation.

In addition to her political endeavours and raising two kids, Priya Dutt, runs a charity, the Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust, and was recently the recipient of the Young Political Achiever Award from the NGO Pearls Wave. A politician and a philanthropist -- now that's a rare combination!

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Supriya Sule

Last updated on: March 7, 2010 12:28 IST

Sharad Pawar's daughter is following in his political footsteps. Supriya Sule is an MP from the Nationalist Congress Party, having contested and won the elections last year for the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency that her father previously represented. Prior to that, she was a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Sule is representative of the modern Indian woman, juggling motherhood (she has two children) and family life alongside a hectic political career.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Kanimozhi

Last updated on: March 7, 2010 12:28 IST

Here's another lady who was born into a political family and decided to pursue a career in politics. Kanimozhi (she prefers to go by only her first name) is the daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and a is member of the Rajya Sabha, where represents Tamil Nadu.

Like Sule, she is a wife and mother, but manages to pursue her career. In addition, she is also a poet and worked as a journalist before making her foray into politics. A lady of many talents, if ever there was one!

Move on to the next slide and register your votes on the last page of the slideshow.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Last updated on: March 7, 2010 12:28 IST

And finally, we come to our last candidate, Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Daughter-in-law of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Harsimrat represents Bathinda in the 15th Lok Sabha and won a much-publicised political battle last year to secure her seat.

In addition, Badal is mother to three children, and makes a pretty picture with her husband Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also president of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Move on to the next slide and register your votes.

Cast your vote!

Last updated on: March 7, 2010 12:28 IST

So which of these five ladies do you think has made the most outstanding contribution to the world of politics? Take your pick!