Women in lead roles in Bihar Elections

Patna, Oct. 26: Women are all out to celebrate democracy in true sense in Bihar this election season. From rubbing shoulders with their male counterparts on poll pitch to flying leaders to rallies, the women are doing it all.

Bihar women reposed faith in democracy in the first two phases of the Assembly elections by coming out to vote in large numbers. Bangalore girl Sucharita Chandran helped them in making up their mind by flying in some of the contenders to their court.

A professional pilot, Chandran (25) is flying JD (U) national president Sharad Yadav for electioneering.

Though one of the few women pilots in civil aviation in India, Chandran does not claim any special status for herself. She said: “I do not see any reason behind this distinction between men and women pilots. There is nothing to be proud of just because I am a woman.”

Trained to fly single-engine helicopter Bell 407, Chandran is most comfortable talking about flying machines.

She said: “I have to plan for a day the previous evening. We are given the schedule of places where we have to visit the next day a day in advance. We have to prepare a navigation plan. It is tough to land in congested spaces and at unprepared helipads.”

On a busy day, Chandran has to do about six to eight landings. “Sometimes we have to take-off and land vertically. It is tough but with my skill I can manage,” she said without a hint of pride.

Chandran is savouring the experience of flying Yadav to election rallies. “Bihar looks exceptional from the skies. The choppers we navigate do not fly very high from the ground. The landscape in Bihar is exceptional, much better than other states of the country.”

She admitted the electioneering schedule was hectic but she was enjoying it as it allows her to fly longer.

This is not the first time Chandran has flown political leaders for election campaigns. “I flew politicians during the last Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. But I am loving it more this time,” she said.

Chandran said this experience had completely altered her perception of the political scenario in Bihar. She said: “This is a far cry from the horrible images of violence portrayed in front of me before I came here. People are so nice and supportive. Leaders like Yadav are very cooperative and respect our constraints.”

Chandran’s friend Arpit, who is flying deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi to rallies, said: “Ours is a risky and adventurous career which has always attracted young men. But it was never thought to be a career for women.”

Chandran does not want to consider a career flying passenger aircraft though it is more lucrative and comfortable. She said: “It is more challenging to fly a chopper. I am here for the thrill. Flying helicopters for politicians means I have to land in remote villages that have little or no facilities. I could have flown passenger aircraft and stayed at more comfortable places. But I chose this because this is what appeals me.”

Despite flying to political rallies regularly, Chandran is not interested in the nitty-gritty of politics.

She says: “It is all about thrashing your opponents with the best words in your vocabulary. But I do not understand Hindi well, so I can hardly understand what the leaders are saying here.”