Mangaluru: A protest meeting was held near the Mini Vidhana Soudha by the Janata Dal (Secular) on Thursday in response to political developments related to the Women's Reservation Bill.
Address by MLC SL Bhojegowda
Addressing the protestors, MLC SL Bhojegowda said, "This is not just a political issue; it is a fight for the rights of half the country's population. Attempts to block women's reservation for political gain are inappropriate and condemnable." He added that their struggle for the implementation of women's reservation would continue.
Criticism of Opposition Parties
Referring to recent events in the Lok Sabha, he accused the opposition parties of acting against the fundamental values of democracy by not supporting the cause of justice for women, setting aside political differences.
Support for NDA Government's Move
He said that the central NDA government is moving forward to legalise women's reservation and criticised the Congress party for neglecting this issue during its tenure and now delaying its implementation.
Historical Context and Need for Reservation
Recalling that the 33% Women's Reservation Bill was introduced in Parliament during former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's time, he also mentioned the historic decision to provide reservation for women in the panchayati raj system. Pointing out that women's representation in the current Lok Sabha is only 14%, he expressed the opinion that implementing the 33% reservation would significantly increase women's political participation. He also emphasised the need for representation proportional to the population, stating that increasing the number of Lok Sabha members is essential due to the growing population represented by MPs.
Other Participants
JD(S) district president Madhav Gowda and state vice-president MB Sadashiva spoke at the meeting. State general secretary Mohammad Kunhi, district working president Shashiraj Shetty Kolambe, and Youth Wing president Akshit Suvarna were present.
