SURAT — In a historic move that marks a significant step toward gender equality in Indian politics, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), serving as the opposition party in the Surat Municipal Corporation for the first time, has appointed a woman as the Leader of the Opposition. This milestone follows closely on the heels of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) decision to appoint Shashiben Tripathi as the ruling party leader earlier this month.

The AAP announced its choices for the roles of Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition today. Payal Sakaria, the youngest elected corporator in the Corporation, has been given the charge as Leader of the Opposition. Mahesh Andhan will serve as her deputy.

These appointments are particularly noteworthy because they come in the wake of a landmark general meeting held on September 12, in which both the ruling BJP and the AAP chose women for the top posts in their respective parties. This marks the first time in Surat Municipal Corporation's history that women have been elected to leadership positions in both the ruling party and the opposition.

Until this development, only male councillors had been preferred for the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Surat Municipal Corporation. Previously, Mumtaz Jamadar had been appointed as Deputy Leader of the Opposition, but the top opposition role had remained male-dominated. Rachna Heerpara has been designated as the punisher.

The dual appointments reflect a growing focus on gender equality and women's empowerment within Indian politics, especially at the municipal level. As these developments unfold, it will be interesting to watch how the dynamic between these female leaders shapes the political discourse and policy-making processes in the Surat Municipal Corporation.