Ashika Tamang Criticized Online After Announcing Candidacy, Questions Why Women Are Held Back
पुस २७, २०८२ १३:२७
Kathmandu: Social activist Ashika Tamang has faced criticism and mixed reactions on social media after announcing her candidacy as an independent candidate in the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Tamang said she will contest from Kathmandu constituency number 2 or 9. Responding to negative comments, she said society has still not accepted female leadership.
Tamang announced her candidacy on social media on Friday. She said she will not be affiliated with any political party and will pursue her journey to Parliament independently. Although she said the decision came after consultations with supporters and personal introspection, many social media users criticized her move.
In particular, her decision to consider Kathmandu constituency number 2 has drawn attention. There has been speculation that Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, may contest from the same constituency. Against this backdrop, some users have interpreted Tamang’s move as an attempt to challenge Balen.
Critics have suggested that she should join an alternative political force instead of running as an independent candidate. Tamang responded to the wave of criticism with another social media post on Saturday. She accused society of trying to limit women who attempt to enter politics.
“This society always wants to see women walking behind men carrying aarti,” she wrote. She added that despite sacrifices involving hardship, hunger, lack of sleep, thirst, and family responsibilities, society continues to glorify male leadership. “The man who appears once a week and yawns is celebrated as the leader,” she wrote.
She further questioned why leadership structures are dominated by men. “Why are there male chairpersons, male vice chairpersons, male central members, male office bearers, and when a woman raises her voice in Parliament on issues of the whole country, why do they try to put a limit on her?” she asked.
Tamang argued that even after rising above personal interests and giving up family comfort to serve society, a mindset persists that venerates only male leadership. Indicating her resolve to enter the electoral race, she expressed strong dissatisfaction with attempts to obstruct women from assuming leadership roles.
Amid the ongoing debate, some commentators continue to argue that joining a new alternative political force may be more meaningful than contesting as an independent candidate.
पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: पुस २७, २०८२ १३:२७
