Leads Nari Shakti Akrosh Rally in Kathua
Kathua, Apr 27 (KINS): Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the INDI Alliance during a “Nari Shakti Akrosh Rally” held in Kathua, where a large number of women participated.
The rally was led by former minister and BJP J&K UT Vice President Priya Sethi, who accused the Congress of consistently neglecting women’s empowerment.
Taking a strong dig at Rahul Gandhi over his party’s stance on the Women’s Reservation Bill, Sethi alleged that the Congress leadership attempted to delay and dilute a historic reform aimed at empowering women across the country.
She said that while the Narendra Modi-led government has taken a decisive step to ensure greater political representation for women, the response from Congress reflects a “pattern of obstruction and selective support.” She added that despite publicly advocating women’s empowerment, the party has failed to back concrete legislative measures with consistency.
Priya Sethi termed the Women’s Reservation Bill a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring enhanced participation of women in legislative bodies, stating that it represents decades-long aspirations of women across social and economic backgrounds and seeks to correct historical imbalances in political representation.
Criticizing Rahul Gandhi, she said his statements reflect ambiguity and political calculation rather than a clear commitment to women’s rights, adding that procedural and political objections raised by Congress could delay its implementation.
Several BJP leaders, including MLAs Rajiv Jasrotia, Bharat Bhushan, and Vijay Kumar, also addressed the rally.
District President BJP Kathua Updesh Andotra, BJP Mahila Morcha State General Secretary Greta Bhagat, National Executive Member Sulekha, and others also spoke on the occasion.
The speakers criticized Congress and its allies for what they described as continued injustice towards women, alleging that past policies lacked focus on gender equality and grassroots empowerment.
Rajiv Jasrotia said the rally symbolized the collective voice of women demanding accountability and recognition of their rights. He highlighted various initiatives taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for women’s welfare, including social, economic, and legal reforms.
Bharat Bhushan said the Women’s Reservation Bill is part of a broader vision to ensure women’s participation in decision-making processes at national and state levels, adding that any hesitation on such a measure raises questions over the intent of those claiming to support gender equality.
Vijay Kumar accused the Congress of failing to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill despite having multiple opportunities while in power, stating that its current criticism lacks credibility.
Updesh Andotra said the strong participation of BJP Mahila Morcha members reflected unity and determination among women. She urged women to actively engage in democratic processes and support initiatives aimed at their empowerment.
She added that the BJP will continue to advocate policies strengthening the role of women in governance and society, expressing confidence that the Women’s Reservation Bill will pave the way for a more inclusive and representative democracy.(KINS)
