CPM Leader Brinda Karat Calls for BJP-RSS Removal to Protect Women's Rights
In a powerful address at the 14th national conference of the All India Women's Democratic Association (AIDWA) held in Hyderabad, CPM national leader and AIDWA patron Brinda Karat issued a strong call for the ouster of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to protect women's rights and the country's constitutional values.
Urgent Call for Political Change
Brinda Karat urged citizens to actively participate in the 'BJP Hatao and Desh Bachao' movement, which translates to remove BJP and save the country. She emphasized that women's organizations must intensify their struggle against what she described as the biggest threat to the nation, particularly to women's safety and dignity.
"The BJP-RSS alliance represents the most significant danger to our country, especially to women's rights and freedoms," Karat stated during her speech on Sunday.
Criticism of MGNREGA Changes
The veteran leader accused the Narendra Modi-led government of strategically undermining the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) through the introduction of the VB-GRAM G Act 2025. She stressed the critical importance of maintaining a sustained nationwide movement to reinstate the original provisions of MGNREGA.
"MGNREGA has provided livelihood security to millions of rural poor people, with women being the primary beneficiaries," Karat explained. "The BJP government has systematically weakened this crucial scheme through legislative changes that undermine its original intent."
Constitutional Concerns and Ideological Critique
Brinda Karat made serious allegations against the BJP and RSS, claiming they have never fully accepted the Indian Constitution in its entirety. She asserted that their ultimate ideological goal is to impose the Manusmriti, an ancient legal text that she said institutionalizes discrimination against women.
With Republic Day approaching, Karat noted that India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution. However, she made a controversial claim about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Republic Day gestures.
"When the Prime Minister salutes the national flag at India Gate, he is not saluting our Constitution," Karat alleged. "He is saluting the RSS ideology that seeks to replace our constitutional values."
Broader Social Justice Concerns
The CPM leader urged like-minded individuals and organizations to continue fighting against what she termed imperialist, capitalist, and Manuvadi forces, which she accused of perpetuating discrimination against women across Indian society.
Karat highlighted specific instances of sexual violence and attacks on women from minority communities, including Muslim, Christian, Dalit, and Adivasi women. She criticized how these incidents have been politicized along communal lines rather than being addressed as fundamental human rights violations.
Positive Examples from Kerala
In contrast to her criticism of central policies, Brinda Karat praised the pro-women policies being implemented by the Kerala state government. She suggested that other states could adopt similar approaches according to their specific circumstances and needs.
"Kerala has demonstrated that progressive policies for women's empowerment can be successfully implemented," she noted. "Other states should study and adapt these models to benefit women across India."
Conference Participants and Significance
The AIDWA national conference featured several prominent speakers alongside Brinda Karat, including:
- AIDWA national president P K Sreemathi
- AIDWA national conference committee chairperson Shanta Sinha
- Renowned actress M Rohini
- AIDWA general secretary Mariam Dhawale
The gathering in Hyderabad brought together women's rights activists from across the country to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality and social justice in contemporary India.
