Here's All About MARD, A Political Party Championing Men's Rights In Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: In a nation where women's rights are a common topic of discussion, there exists a political party that focuses on advocating for men's rights. Formed in 2009 by men entangled in legal battles related to the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, the party is known as Mera Adhikar Rashtriya Dal (MARD).

Since its establishment, MARD has participated in seven elections, including the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi and Lucknow. They also contested a by-election in Bangarmau in 2020 and the Assembly elections from Bareilly, Lucknow North, Bakshi Ka Talab (Lucknow), and Chauri Chaura in 2022. Despite their efforts, their candidates have consistently performed poorly, often forfeiting their deposits.

Nevertheless, MARD is preparing for the 2024 general elections, with candidates aiming for Lok Sabha seats in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi. One of the party's founders and current president, Kapil Mohan Choudhary, is running for the Lok Sabha seat in Lucknow. Choudhary has been embroiled in a dowry case since 1999, which remains unresolved after 25 years.

"I have two kids from my first marriage, both taken away by my ex-wife. Later, I was falsely accused in dowry and domestic violence cases. While fighting these cases in Lucknow, I met many others facing similar charges in similar situations," says the 52-year-old Kapil.

"I got divorced, but the dowry case is still ongoing. To highlight men's rights, we formed a political party," adds Kapil, who remarried in 2011.

The party's tagline, 'Mard ko dard hota hai' (Men feel the pain), reflects their mission. MARD candidates Sonu Rai and Dhananjay Kumar are contesting from the Gorakhpur and Ranchi constituencies, respectively.

Their 'MANifesto' contains several intriguing promises, including the establishment of a 'Ministry of Men's Welfare' and a 'National Commission for Men'. They also propose a 'Men's Safety Bill' to prevent the unjust treatment of men due to laws favoring women and plan to set up a 'Men's Power Line' to support men with family issues.

Furthermore, the party advocates for the creation of a 'Family Welfare Committee' to address family matters, implement laws concerning child custody post-divorce, and immediately halt live-in relationships.

When asked if women could join their party, Kapil replied, "By all means. Our aim is to protect men's rights, not infringe on women's."

However, a specific online post they made presents a contrasting image.

“There is no such thing as Feminism. It is a psyop and a pathetic ideology propagated and funded by Politics to destroy families. do u all agree?” the party said on X.

MARD remains steadfast in its mission to highlight and address men's issues, despite the challenges they have faced in the political arena. As they gear up for the upcoming 2024 general elections, the party hopes to bring more attention to the rights and welfare of men in India.

(With Inputs from IANS)

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