In the Panchkula Municipal Corporation elections, the presence of male relatives and political allies overshadowed women candidates in the seven women-reserved wards. The electoral strategy aimed to empower women, yet it appeared that male leaders were the ones truly in charge. For instance, in ward 18, Amandeep Kaur, the winning candidate, was not given the opportunity to address the media, with Sandeep Singh, a former councillor, taking the spotlight instead. Similarly, in ward 1, Paramjeet Kaur, a first-time candidate, acknowledged her husband's significant contributions while asserting her independence in decision-making. Despite their victories, the women were often accompanied by male representatives, raising concerns about the authenticity of their roles. Political analysts, including Prof. Pampa Mukherjee, pointed out that while women's reservation is a step towards empowerment, it must be effectively implemented to allow women to exercise their agency rather than remain under the influence of male counterparts. The situation reflects a deeply rooted patriarchal structure that continues to impact women's participation in politics.