In India, amidst ongoing conversations about women’s rights, a distinctive political entity, Mera Adhikar Rashtriya Dal (MARD), has emerged advocating for men’s rights. Founded in 2009 by individuals grappling with legal challenges related to laws such as the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, MARD has faced electoral setbacks, failing to secure significant victories in past elections, often forfeiting deposits.
Despite electoral hurdles, MARD is gearing up for the 2024 general elections with candidates announced in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi. Kapil Mohan Choudhary, a founding member and the party’s president, is himself contesting from Lucknow, despite being embroiled in a dowry case since 1999, which remains unresolved.
Kapil’s personal experiences, including a divorce and ongoing legal battles, inspired the formation of MARD. He remarried in 2011 and continues to advocate for men’s rights through political channels. The party’s slogan, ‘Mard ko dard hota hai’ (Men feel pain), encapsulates its core message.
MARD’s platform encompasses proposals for the establishment of a ‘Ministry of Men’s Welfare’ and a ‘National Commission for Men,’ along with legislation like the ‘Men’s Safety Bill’ aimed at safeguarding men from biases within existing laws. Other initiatives include the creation of a ‘Men’s Power Line’ for family-related issues and a ‘Family Welfare Committee’ tasked with addressing matters like child custody post-divorce and advocating for an end to live-in relationships.
Despite their focus on men’s rights, Kapil emphasizes that MARD is inclusive of women members and aims to protect men’s rights without undermining those of women. With their proposed policies and unique perspective, MARD emerges as a noteworthy albeit unconventional participant in India’s political arena.
