BJP Women's Wing Launches Signature Drive for Women's Reservation Bill in Mangaluru
In a significant show of support for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, commonly known as the 33% women's reservation bill, members of the district BJP Mahila Morcha in Mangaluru commenced a signature campaign on Wednesday. The event was held at the office of MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, marking the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at promoting women's political participation.
Campaign Activities and Future Plans
The Mahila Morcha has outlined an ambitious agenda for the coming days, which includes organizing a bike rally and other events to raise awareness about the bill. According to state BJP Mahila Morcha general secretary Shilpa G Suvarna, the 10-day campaign will feature five key programmes.
Planned events include:
- A town hall meeting with intellectuals scheduled before April 20.
- Meetings for women party workers across 315 mandals.
- Bike or scooter rallies in areas where permitted, with padayatras (foot marches) planned for restricted zones.
- A missed call campaign that has already been initiated to gather public support.
Voices from the Leadership
Leading the group of women leaders, Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya addressed the media, emphasizing the transformative potential of the women's reservation policy. "The early and effective implementation of this policy will pave the way for women to evolve from being 'beneficiaries of policies' to 'makers of policy'," she stated.
Murulya highlighted the broader societal benefits of increased female representation in decision-making roles. "With greater participation of women in governance, critical issues such as health, nutrition, security, water, and sanitation will receive higher priority. The success of women's reservation in local bodies has already demonstrated this positive impact," she added.
Addressing Political Aspirations and Challenges
When questioned about the number of women aspiring for political tickets within the BJP in the district, Murulya acknowledged that there are currently not many female aspirants. However, she expressed readiness for future opportunities, saying, "If the occasion arises, we are prepared to take up responsibility."
She also dismissed concerns regarding delimitation processes that might affect the allocation of assembly seats to South Indian states, reaffirming the party's commitment to equitable representation.
Praise for Government Initiatives
Murulya commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decade-long efforts in promoting holistic women's empowerment through various policies. She cited several key programmes:
- Beti Bachao: This initiative has significantly increased school enrolment rates for girls, reaching approximately 80%.
- Sukanya Samriddhi: Under this scheme, around 46 million bank accounts have been opened to support the financial security of young girls.
- Matru Vandan: This programme has provided nutritional support to an estimated 42.7 million women, enhancing maternal health and well-being.
The signature campaign in Mangaluru represents a proactive step by the BJP Mahila Morcha to mobilize public opinion and advocate for the swift implementation of the women's reservation bill, aiming to foster a more inclusive political landscape in India.
