Chandigarh [Haryana]: Rekha Sharma, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Haryana in a by-election held on Friday. Sharma received her certificate from the returning officer in Chandigarh and pledged to prioritize women’s empowerment during her tenure.
Key Highlights:
- Rekha Sharma’s Focus:
- Speaking to media, Sharma expressed her commitment to advocating for the empowerment of women and amplifying the voices of the people.
- “I have worked for nine years at the Women’s Commission. I will continue to do whatever is needed for their empowerment,” Sharma said.
- BJP’s Nominee for the By-Election:
- On Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officially announced Sharma’s nomination for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat.
- The by-election was necessitated after BJP’s Krishna Lal Panwar vacated his Rajya Sabha seat following his election to the Haryana state assembly in October.
- Haryana Chief Minister’s Support:
- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lauded Sharma’s nomination, stating, “Rekha Sharma will effectively represent Haryana’s issues in the Rajya Sabha.”
- Political Context:
- In the 90-member Haryana Assembly, the BJP holds a majority with 48 members, followed by the Congress with 37, INLD with two, and three Independents who also support the BJP-led government.
- Rekha Sharma’s Credentials:
- As the former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Sharma has a long-standing track record of working for gender equality and women’s rights. Her unopposed election reflects confidence in her ability to serve effectively in the Rajya Sabha.
This development reinforces the BJP’s focus on empowering women leaders and highlights Haryana’s commitment to gender representation at the national level. Rekha Sharma’s expertise and experience are expected to bring significant contributions to legislative debates, particularly on issues related to women and social justice.