A Distinctive Political Party “MARD” Advocating for Men’s Rights

In 2009, a unique political entity known as Mera Adhikar Rashtriya Dal (MARD) was established by men who had encountered legal challenges under the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. Despite minimal electoral success, including forfeiting deposits in all contests, MARD has persisted in contesting elections.

Looking ahead to the 2024 general elections, MARD is preparing with candidates in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Ranchi. Kapil Mohan Choudhary, a founder and the party president, is himself contesting from Lucknow, entangled in a dowry case since 1999 which remains unresolved.

Kapil’s personal ordeals, encompassing divorce and ongoing legal battles, instigated the party’s inception. He remarried in 2011 and remains a staunch advocate for men’s rights within the political arena. The party’s slogan, ‘Mard ko dard hota hai’ (Men feel pain), embodies their fundamental message.

MARD’s agenda includes proposals for a ‘Ministry of Men’s Welfare’ and a ‘National Commission for Men,’ along with legislative initiatives like a ‘Men’s Safety Bill’ to counteract biases within existing laws. Additional measures comprise establishing a ‘Men’s Power Line’ for family-related matters and a ‘Family Welfare Committee’ tasked with overseeing issues like child custody post-divorce and proposing an end to live-in relationships.

Despite their emphasis on men’s rights, Kapil underscores that the party welcomes female members, emphasizing their objective to safeguard men’s rights without undermining those of women. Their proposed policies and distinct outlook render them a noteworthy, albeit unconventional, participant in India’s political landscape.