Khap Panchayats continue to thrive in Haryana despite being called out for years for being ‘orthodox’. Santosh Dahiya, a khap panchayat head in Haryana, however, feels it’s wrong to say that they don’t follow the laws or are “extra constitutional”. Santosh told News18, “It’s not that we want to do politics. We fight for women and we are not orthodox.”
Santosh Dahiya, a teacher at the Kurukshetra university, is known for being the first woman head of a khap panchayat in Haryana. Offering herself as proof that the khaps are pro-women and progressive, Santosh said, “It’s wrong to say we don’t follow the laws. Not all laws can cover our traditions and try to protect the tradition. Recently, I met some women who said that their husbands were staying with other women. Now you tell me, how can we not protect them?”
The context is a meeting which took place between all khap panchayats with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. They asked for assurance that some practices like live-in relationships should not be allowed.
There are about 250 khap panchayats in the state and they hold a grip over the society, rural Haryana and votes. Therefore, despite the fact that many find khaps regressive and at times controversial, it’s difficult for politicians to ignore them. Holding a grip over rural votes, as per a study by the Election Commission, khaps can swing over 12 per cent votes, which is decisive. This cuts across caste lines as well which is critical in a state like Haryana.
Santosh knows this very well. A badminton player, she had to give up on swimming as her family did not allow her to wear a swim suit. But she is happy that today, Haryana is identified with women wrestlers. When asked about Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is now a candidate in the forthcoming polls, Santosh said she supports her whole heartedly. “I don’t want to get into the politics of it. It’s her choice and I would be happy if she wins,” Santosh said.
The power and influence of khaps in the state polls cannot be underestimated. No party can afford to ignore them and they reach out to the khap presidents to ensure their vote.
This time, one of the most influential khaps in the state has fielded their own candidate Azad Palwa. Palwa is a well-known farmer leader from Uchana, who has been actively involved in the farmers’ movement against the three contentious farm laws. His candidacy is expected to give a tough fight to JJP chief Dushyant Chautala. As Palwa fights the 2024 polls, the idea is to ensure that khap voices resonate even after polls are over.
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