Questions were raised by the media when the brother-in-law of a woman panchayat chairperson represented her at a Samajwadi Party event. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav responded sharply, asking reporters why they were all male when questioned about the absence of the sarpanch and the presence of her brother-in-law at the event.
Shabana Khatun, the chairperson, was not present, and her name was not on the hoardings; instead, her brother-in-law Ayaz Khan was featured with the title "chairman."
The exchange occurred during a laptop distribution event for high-achieving students in the Belhara panchayat area of Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh.
Responding to reporters, Akhilesh Yadav questioned the significance of a male relative representing a woman panchayat chairperson for women empowerment. He pointed out that many pradhanpatis (husbands of pradhans) were present at the event and questioned whether it was even a noteworthy topic.
When asked why all the reporters were male, Yadav received cheers from his supporters. He further suggested sending a female reporter from the channel to cover the event, stating that he was only responding to the question posed by the male reporters.
The Belhara panchayat seat is reserved for women, and in the last polls, Ms. Khatun was elected. However, locals claim she never attends panchayat events, and her brother-in-law makes decisions on behalf of the panchayat.
According to an NDTV report, the residents have asserted that official documents are sent to Ms. Khatun's home for her signature. In several such reserved seats, male relatives of woman sarpanches are perceived to be the de facto sarpanch, while the elected women primarily sign documents.
