27th–28th May, Bhilwara-Ajmer: We are still in blazing Rajasthan, where glistening tarmac highways create endless mirages. Since the mirage has always been a popular metaphor, it could be read as one in the fraught political context of the Women’s Reservation Bill too. Needless to say, as of now, the Bill is as good as a mirage.

Tracking mirages, we had a brief halt in Bhilwara where local activists took the caravan to some prominent spots in town. We were able to generate substantial interest and support for our mission. The leaflets were read eagerly, and people were keen to sign on the appeal. As we did all this, we were followed step-by-step by the local media.

In Ajmer, the public meeting was much larger. As many as 11 local groups (PUCL, Ajmer Praudh Shiksha Samiti, Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti, Dalit Adhikar Kendra, Ekal Nari Shakti Sansthan and so on) formed a committee for the caravan’s welcome as well as made arrangements for a public meeting and press interaction. Thanks to their efforts, several women sarpanch and local leaders from the area were present. Besides Anita Badhel, an MLA and the ex-MLA ShreeKumar Vaheti actively participated in discussions around the Bill. The issue of urban-rural and literate/illiterate women was debated intensely. It was emphasized that though education should be a critical necessity for entry to political life (for both men and women) but it cannot be the only measure of an individual’s character and social responsibility. Many women leaders shared their experiences of fighting for space in their homes and in public life.

We wrapped the meeting on a hopeful note and prepared ourselves for a candle-light march this evening by Amer Fort in Jaipur! The candle, another metaphor...