News Analysis India

Tag: women

  • Prajwal Revanna taken to hospital for medical examination

    Suspended JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, facing allegations of sexually abusing several women, was taken to hospital for medical examination under tight security on Friday, police said. Escorted by female police officials, he was taken to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital here.

    The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the allegations against Prajwal arrested him as soon as he landed at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru in the wee hours of Friday.

    The 33 year-old MP, who arrived from Germany’s Munich, was taken to the CID office for interrogation, sources in the SIT said. The SIT is also contemplating a potency test on Prajwal. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther StatesA potency test is done to ascertain that a rape accused is capable of committing sexual assault on victims.

    Prajwal, grandson of Deve Gowda and the BJP-JD(S) alliance candidate from Hassan Lok Sabha segment, is facing charges of sexually abusing many women. He has been so far booked in three cases of sexual assault.

  • Denmark Latest To Mandate Compulsory Military Service To Women: List Of Nations Where 'Armed Service' Is A Must For Females | world news

    COPENHAGEN: In a significant move towards gender equality and national security, Denmark has embarked on a journey to mandate military service for women, making it the latest nation to do so. This decision, announced by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, aims to bolster the country's defense capabilities and ensure parity between genders in the realm of armed forces participation. Frederiksen emphasized that the extension of conscription to women and the elongation of service duration from four to eleven months for both genders signify Denmark's commitment to peace and preparedness rather than an inclination toward conflict.

    Denmark's Strategic Move

    Denmark, as a member of the NATO alliance and a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, has underlined the importance of a robust defense posture in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. Despite Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen's assertion that Russia does not pose an immediate threat to Denmark, the government remains steadfast in its determination to fortify national security. With only 9,000 professional troops complemented by 4,700 conscripts currently undergoing basic training, Denmark seeks to augment its military strength by enlisting more individuals into its armed forces.

    Policy Reforms

    The proposed changes in Denmark's military conscription system entail a comprehensive restructuring of the recruitment and training process. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen outlined the legislative adjustments required to implement the new system, with the anticipated timeline set for enactment in 2026. Under the revised framework, conscripts will undergo five months of basic training, six months of operational service, and supplementary training. This revamped approach aims to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive defense mechanism that is adaptable to contemporary security threats.

    International Comparisons: Mandatory Military Service For Women

    Denmark's decision to mandate military service for women aligns with global trends toward gender mainstreaming in defense policies. Countries such as Sweden and Norway have already embraced the concept of compulsory military service for both men and women, reflecting a broader shift towards gender parity in armed forces recruitment. Israel, despite its longstanding conscription policy, exempts certain segments of the population, highlighting the complexities inherent in balancing national security imperatives with individual rights and religious considerations. Eritrea's contentious conscription practices, characterized by forced military training for both genders, underscore the challenges associated with coercive recruitment strategies and their implications for human rights.

    Beyond Denmark, several other nations have either active or inactive policies regarding military service for women:

    Sweden: In 2017, Sweden reinstated conscription for both men and women amid concerns over regional security threats. This decision reflects Sweden's proactive approach to strengthening its defense capabilities.

    Norway: Since 2015, Norway has mandated national service for both men and women, making it a trailblazer in gender-inclusive military policies among NATO members.

    Israel: Military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens, with exceptions for certain groups, including ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis. While women are not obliged to serve, many choose to do so voluntarily.

    Eritrea: Eritrea has drawn international attention for its controversial conscription practices, which require both boys and girls to undergo military training. Despite legal limitations on service duration, many Eritrean youth face prolonged conscription periods.

    South Korea and North Korea: Both Koreas have longstanding traditions of compulsory military service, with recent adjustments to include women in mandatory conscription. In South Korea, women can now fulfill their military obligations alongside men, reflecting evolving societal norms.

    Switzerland: While military service is compulsory for men in Switzerland, women have the option to serve voluntarily. However, discussions are underway to potentially revise this policy and introduce mandatory conscription for women.

    Poland: Poland allows women to volunteer for military service, with certain professions requiring compulsory service. This approach reflects Poland's recognition of the valuable contributions women can make to national defense.

    Cuba: In Cuba, military service is mandatory for men, while women can choose to serve voluntarily. This distinction underscores Cuba's approach to gender roles within its armed forces.

    These diverse examples illustrate the varying approaches to female conscription worldwide, reflecting each nation's unique security challenges, cultural norms, and historical contexts. While some countries have embraced gender-inclusive military policies, others continue to grapple with questions of equality and national defense.

  • PM Modi to be in West Bengal on March 1, 2 and 6

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in West Bengal on March 1 and 2 as part of his official programme and is expected to address a women’s rally on March 6 in the North 24 Parganas district, where restive Sandeshkhali is located. BJP sources said Modi will be in Arambag and Krishnanagar on March 1 and 2 respectively on an official tour. The prime minister will also address public meetings, they said.

    Modi’s visits in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls come amid an intense political row involving the BJP and the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress after several women in Sandeshkhali accused the regional party’s strongman Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of “land-grab and sexual assault”.

    There has been speculation that Modi may meet some of the complainants during his visit to Barasat, the headquarters of North 24 Parganas district. Two of Sheikh’s aides, who along with others were booked under charges of gang rape and attempt to murder, have been arrested.

    The TMC has sought to play down the allegations and blamed the BJP for prompting some of the complainants to level serious charges against its members.

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  • Sandeshkhali crimes: Sheikh Shahjahan should be given death penalty, says BJP's Locket Chatterjee

    Sandeshkhali crimes: Sheikh Shahjahan should be given death penalty, says BJP's Locket Chatterjee

  • mamata banerjee: Mamata Banerjee ‘mute spectator’ to violence against women in West Bengal: BJP

    New Delhi: The BJP on Wednesday charged that ‘jungle raj’ prevailed in West Bengal and demanded resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after the state was rocked by protests and clashes over the claims of sexual harassment of women in the state’s Sandeshkhali area. Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claimed there is “complete anarchy and lawlessness” in West Bengal under the TMC rule with Chief Minister Banerjee allegedly providing protection to her party goons who allegedly raped and exploited tribal women in Sandeshkhali.

    “There is jungle raj in West Bengal. Our sisters who belong to the scheduled tribes are being raped and assaulted by the TMC goons and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is a mute spectator,” he charged.

    Bhatia said it is clear to every citizen that the rule of law doesn’t exist in West Bengal. “Rather it is the law of anarchic ruler Mamata Banerjee which prevails there,” he said.

    Banerjee has no right to remain in the post and, “If she had even a little bit of shame left , she should immediately tender her resignation,” she said.

    “If you do not resign, don’t underestimate people. You will be uprooted, that is for sure,” the BJP spokesperson added. Bhatia said the BJP will stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims of alleged sexual assault and take their fight for justice forward. The BJP leader alleged that West Bengal government is giving “protection to rapists and weakening police,”

    The situation is so bad that the Calcutta High Court had to take cognisance of it and issue a notice to the state government , he said.

    “Mamata Banerjee has become a ‘bhakshak’ (predator) from a ‘rakshak’ (protector),” Bhatia charged, asking her to step down as chief minister.

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  • ‘We are going to fight for the implementation of Women’s Reservation bill,’ says Sonia Gandhi

    By PTI

    CHENNAI: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday asserted the INDIA alliance would fight for the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill passed recently by the Parliament.

    Addressing the ruling DMK’s Women’s Rights conference here, she said the late Rajiv Gandhi brought the historic 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati raj, the local self-governments which spurred an entirely new phenomenon of women leadership at the grassroots level.

    It was a vital stepping stone towards the reservation on a similar one thirds of seats in the legislative bodies which the Congress pioneered in Parliament and outside.

    Now the Women’s Reservation Bill has finally been passed due to “our relentless persistence and efforts; of all of us, not just the Congress.”

    However, “as we all know it is still a long way to come.”

    She recalled the interventions made in the Parliament by opposition MPs on the actual implementation of the Bill, whether it would be in one year, two or three years.

    “We have no idea,” she said and added though some men are happy, “we are not, we women are not.”

    She asserted “We are going to fight,” for the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act.

    The Women’s Reservation Bill introduced by the UPA-II was passed by the Rajya Sabha but a lack of consesus prevented it from being passed in the Lok Sabha.

    Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    CHENNAI: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday asserted the INDIA alliance would fight for the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill passed recently by the Parliament.

    Addressing the ruling DMK’s Women’s Rights conference here, she said the late Rajiv Gandhi brought the historic 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati raj, the local self-governments which spurred an entirely new phenomenon of women leadership at the grassroots level.

    It was a vital stepping stone towards the reservation on a similar one thirds of seats in the legislative bodies which the Congress pioneered in Parliament and outside.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Now the Women’s Reservation Bill has finally been passed due to “our relentless persistence and efforts; of all of us, not just the Congress.”

    However, “as we all know it is still a long way to come.”

    She recalled the interventions made in the Parliament by opposition MPs on the actual implementation of the Bill, whether it would be in one year, two or three years.

    “We have no idea,” she said and added though some men are happy, “we are not, we women are not.”

    She asserted “We are going to fight,” for the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act.

    The Women’s Reservation Bill introduced by the UPA-II was passed by the Rajya Sabha but a lack of consesus prevented it from being passed in the Lok Sabha.

    Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • UP govt to set up 3000 Pink Booths at 20 religious places across nine cities to ensure women’s safety

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: Yogi Adityanath government, to ensure women’s safety in the wake of rising cases of crimeagainst them, is set to establish 3,000 Pink booths (police booths) across Uttar Pradesh. It will also provide Pink Scooties to all 10417 women-beat personnel under the Safe City Project.

    The Women and Child Protection Organization has already presented the proposal and is likely to be implemented soon after the approval of the state government.

    According to a state government spokesman, the Safe City project is to be completed in three phases in Uttar Pradesh.

    In the first phase of the project, Pink Booths will be constructed at 20 religious places spread across nine UP cities while two GPS-equipped pink scooters each will be handed over to 1100 women beat constables in 550 police stations under 17 municipal corporations and Gautam Buddha Nagar within the next three months. In the second phase, 501 Pink Booths will be built in municipal bodies under 57 district headquarters and in the third phase, 2,480 Pink Booths will be connected with the Safe City Project in the remaining 143 municipal bodies.

    As per ADG, Women and Child Safety Protection, BP Jogdand, Pink Booths will be constructed in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Mathura, Gorakhpur, Agra, Balrampur and Chitrakoot in the first phase with an expenditure of Rs 1.66 crore.

    Additionally, a letter was written to the police officers of all nine districts to identify the land for the pink booth. Since most of the nine district administrations have come forward with the land options, the construction work would begin as soon as the budget was released by the Home Department.

    As part of the Safe City Project, the Women and Child Safety Organization has prepared a 6-month calendar to raise awareness among women and girls in the first phase. This calendar has been handed over to the Information and Public Relations Department.

    Currently, the department is actively promoting the first phase and conducting awareness programs through FM jingles and community radio in all the districts.

    LUCKNOW: Yogi Adityanath government, to ensure women’s safety in the wake of rising cases of crime
    against them, is set to establish 3,000 Pink booths (police booths) across Uttar Pradesh. It will also provide Pink Scooties to all 10417 women-beat personnel under the Safe City Project.

    The Women and Child Protection Organization has already presented the proposal and is likely to be implemented soon after the approval of the state government.

    According to a state government spokesman, the Safe City project is to be completed in three phases in Uttar Pradesh.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In the first phase of the project, Pink Booths will be constructed at 20 religious places spread across nine UP cities while two GPS-equipped pink scooters each will be handed over to 1100 women beat constables in 550 police stations under 17 municipal corporations and Gautam Buddha Nagar within the next three months. In the second phase, 501 Pink Booths will be built in municipal bodies under 57 district headquarters and in the third phase, 2,480 Pink Booths will be connected with the Safe City Project in the remaining 143 municipal bodies.

    As per ADG, Women and Child Safety Protection, BP Jogdand, Pink Booths will be constructed in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Mathura, Gorakhpur, Agra, Balrampur and Chitrakoot in the first phase with an expenditure of Rs 1.66 crore.

    Additionally, a letter was written to the police officers of all nine districts to identify the land for the pink booth. Since most of the nine district administrations have come forward with the land options, the construction work would begin as soon as the budget was released by the Home Department.

    As part of the Safe City Project, the Women and Child Safety Organization has prepared a 6-month calendar to raise awareness among women and girls in the first phase. This calendar has been handed over to the Information and Public Relations Department.

    Currently, the department is actively promoting the first phase and conducting awareness programs through FM jingles and community radio in all the districts.

  • “They tried to classify women into different classes”: PM Modi slams Opposition in Gujarat

    Express News Service

    AHMEDABAD: The opposition tried to classify women into different classes but eventually surrendered to the power of women, Prime Minister Modi slammed the opposition over the Women’s Reservation Bill, on his two-day visit to home state of Gujarat.

    Modi was greeted warmly by the BJP’s women cadre and “Women of Gujarat” in Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening. He spoke to a group of women about the Women’s Reservation Bill, which was approved by both Houses of Parliament last week.

    He said, “Even those who held this bill up for years had to support it because of your (women’s) fear. It was the women’s strength that compelled them. They utilize ifs and buts in their assertions, and they make many excuses.”

    “These people have attempted to separate women into different classes and to diminish women’s strength. But when they realized that this government was not going to back down, when they realized that the women of the country were watching what was going on inside the parliament, they were compelled to vote in favor of this Law against their choice”, he said.

    Attacking the opposition, he stated that “even after all these years of independence, justice has not been done to women’s power, and this country cannot develop rapidly without the full participation of half the country’s population.” Before discussing women’s rights, political excuses were made, such as women being unable to do all of the jobs.

    Concerning the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’, he stated that “women must get representation from Legislative Assembly as well as the Lok Sabha, increasing women’s representation is Modi’s guarantee.”

    Speaking about Gujarat’s long history of women’s empowerment, he stated, “Since beginning the fight against anti-women ideology in Gujarat, we have run many successful campaigns in the direction of women’s empowerment in Gujarat at all three levels – family, society, and state.”

    Talking about enhancing women’s presence in politics, he stated, “I started the Samaras Mahila Panchayat experiment to increase the representation of women at all levels,”

    AHMEDABAD: The opposition tried to classify women into different classes but eventually surrendered to the power of women, Prime Minister Modi slammed the opposition over the Women’s Reservation Bill, on his two-day visit to home state of Gujarat.

    Modi was greeted warmly by the BJP’s women cadre and “Women of Gujarat” in Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening. He spoke to a group of women about the Women’s Reservation Bill, which was approved by both Houses of Parliament last week.

    He said, “Even those who held this bill up for years had to support it because of your (women’s) fear. It was the women’s strength that compelled them. They utilize ifs and buts in their assertions, and they make many excuses.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “These people have attempted to separate women into different classes and to diminish women’s strength. But when they realized that this government was not going to back down, when they realized that the women of the country were watching what was going on inside the parliament, they were compelled to vote in favor of this Law against their choice”, he said.

    Attacking the opposition, he stated that “even after all these years of independence, justice has not been done to women’s power, and this country cannot develop rapidly without the full participation of half the country’s population.” Before discussing women’s rights, political excuses were made, such as women being unable to do all of the jobs.

    Concerning the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’, he stated that “women must get representation from Legislative Assembly as well as the Lok Sabha, increasing women’s representation is Modi’s guarantee.”

    Speaking about Gujarat’s long history of women’s empowerment, he stated, “Since beginning the fight against anti-women ideology in Gujarat, we have run many successful campaigns in the direction of women’s empowerment in Gujarat at all three levels – family, society, and state.”

    Talking about enhancing women’s presence in politics, he stated, “I started the Samaras Mahila Panchayat experiment to increase the representation of women at all levels,”

  • PM Modi claims Congress and ‘Ghamandiya’ Alliance are against Women’s Reservation at Jaipur rally

    Express News Service

    JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce attack on the Congress and INDIA alliance over the Women’s Reservation Bill on Monday. Speaking at a rally in Jaipur to mark the conclusion of the BJP’s Parivartan Sankalp Yatra in Rajasthan, PM Modi asserted that the Congress and its ‘Ghamandiya’ alliance partners are against women’s reservation.

    PM Modi slammed Congress leaders who are now talking of a delay in the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill and urged women not to be misguided by them. He stated, “The Congressmen who are talking about women’s reservation today could have done this work 30 years ago. They could have done it whenever they had the chance, but the truth is that Congress never wanted women to have 33% reservation.”

    PM Modi added further that “for many decades, our mothers and sisters were waiting for 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and Assembly. This hope of theirs has been fulfilled by the power of your vote. Your vote elected me, and I guaranteed my service to you. Today, I have fulfilled this guarantee of yours. You should remember that Modi means a guarantee of fulfillment.”

    With women leaders and women volunteers playing a major role in organizing the public meeting in Dhankya village, about 30 kilometers from Jaipur, PM Modi remarked, “It is noteworthy that the entire responsibility for this program was in the hands of women workers.”

    During his speech, PM Modi also sought to polarise public sentiments. He remarked, “Congress is attempting to erase our identity. The Ghamandia (I.N.D.I.A.) alliance endeavored to undermine Sanatan Dharma through various means, but the truth is that today, the people of the country and Rajasthan have discerned their intentions. In this scenario, the people of Rajasthan will now strive not only to hold up a mirror to the arrogant alliance in this election but in every future election.”

    In reference to the Kanhaiyalal beheading in Udaipur, PM Modi accused Congress of appeasement and labeled it as detrimental to the economic development of the state. He commented, “How can investment flourish in a state where incidents of open throat-slitting occur, and the government appears powerless? This is not a run-of-the-mill crime; it is the consequence of Congress’s appeasement policies.” The PM further asserted, “Instead of taking decisive action against terrorists, Congress displays leniency toward them, granting criminals free rein. How can law and order be maintained under such circumstances?”

    PM Modi also launched a sharp attack on the state government and called CM Gehlot’s administration a total failure. He remarked, “The way Congress has administered the state, it deserves a score of zero. Therefore, the people of Rajasthan have made the decision to oust the Gehlot government and reinstate the BJP.”

    Highlighting issues like paper leaks and corruption in Rajasthan, PM Modi said, “The Gehlot government has wasted 5 important years of the youth here. Therefore, the people of Rajasthan have decided to remove the Congress government and bring in the BJP. Whenever papers are leaked in Rajasthan, people get worried. If the BJP government is formed in Rajasthan, strict action will be taken against the mafias responsible for paper leaks. No mafia exploiting the youth will be spared.”

    PM Modi once again referred to the Red Diary issue that has rocked Rajasthan for over two months. The PM said, “The Lal Diary conceals dark deeds. Kickbacks and commissions are rampant, deterring investment in the region. Industrial development lags behind due to corruption in the law and order system, and my mothers and sisters suffer the most because of this.”

    Prior to this rally, there were speculations about PM Modi clarifying the role of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in the upcoming elections. However, he almost confirmed that this Rajasthan assembly election will revolve around his leadership. He declared, “I want to convey to every BJP worker that our symbol of identity and pride is the lotus flower (Party symbol). Therefore, we must strive to ensure that lotus flowers bloom at every polling booth.”

    It is noteworthy that, for the first time in several decades, the BJP has not announced a chief ministerial candidate in Rajasthan. Sources within the BJP suggest that the party is contesting this election under the leadership of PM Modi. It remains to be seen how effectively PM Modi can compete with CM Ashok Gehlot and the Congress, who seek to retain power in the state by highlighting their public welfare initiatives.

    JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce attack on the Congress and INDIA alliance over the Women’s Reservation Bill on Monday. Speaking at a rally in Jaipur to mark the conclusion of the BJP’s Parivartan Sankalp Yatra in Rajasthan, PM Modi asserted that the Congress and its ‘Ghamandiya’ alliance partners are against women’s reservation.

    PM Modi slammed Congress leaders who are now talking of a delay in the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill and urged women not to be misguided by them. He stated, “The Congressmen who are talking about women’s reservation today could have done this work 30 years ago. They could have done it whenever they had the chance, but the truth is that Congress never wanted women to have 33% reservation.”

    PM Modi added further that “for many decades, our mothers and sisters were waiting for 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and Assembly. This hope of theirs has been fulfilled by the power of your vote. Your vote elected me, and I guaranteed my service to you. Today, I have fulfilled this guarantee of yours. You should remember that Modi means a guarantee of fulfillment.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    With women leaders and women volunteers playing a major role in organizing the public meeting in Dhankya village, about 30 kilometers from Jaipur, PM Modi remarked, “It is noteworthy that the entire responsibility for this program was in the hands of women workers.”

    During his speech, PM Modi also sought to polarise public sentiments. He remarked, “Congress is attempting to erase our identity. The Ghamandia (I.N.D.I.A.) alliance endeavored to undermine Sanatan Dharma through various means, but the truth is that today, the people of the country and Rajasthan have discerned their intentions. In this scenario, the people of Rajasthan will now strive not only to hold up a mirror to the arrogant alliance in this election but in every future election.”

    In reference to the Kanhaiyalal beheading in Udaipur, PM Modi accused Congress of appeasement and labeled it as detrimental to the economic development of the state. He commented, “How can investment flourish in a state where incidents of open throat-slitting occur, and the government appears powerless? This is not a run-of-the-mill crime; it is the consequence of Congress’s appeasement policies.” The PM further asserted, “Instead of taking decisive action against terrorists, Congress displays leniency toward them, granting criminals free rein. How can law and order be maintained under such circumstances?”

    PM Modi also launched a sharp attack on the state government and called CM Gehlot’s administration a total failure. He remarked, “The way Congress has administered the state, it deserves a score of zero. Therefore, the people of Rajasthan have made the decision to oust the Gehlot government and reinstate the BJP.”

    Highlighting issues like paper leaks and corruption in Rajasthan, PM Modi said, “The Gehlot government has wasted 5 important years of the youth here. Therefore, the people of Rajasthan have decided to remove the Congress government and bring in the BJP. Whenever papers are leaked in Rajasthan, people get worried. If the BJP government is formed in Rajasthan, strict action will be taken against the mafias responsible for paper leaks. No mafia exploiting the youth will be spared.”

    PM Modi once again referred to the Red Diary issue that has rocked Rajasthan for over two months. The PM said, “The Lal Diary conceals dark deeds. Kickbacks and commissions are rampant, deterring investment in the region. Industrial development lags behind due to corruption in the law and order system, and my mothers and sisters suffer the most because of this.”

    Prior to this rally, there were speculations about PM Modi clarifying the role of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in the upcoming elections. However, he almost confirmed that this Rajasthan assembly election will revolve around his leadership. He declared, “I want to convey to every BJP worker that our symbol of identity and pride is the lotus flower (Party symbol). Therefore, we must strive to ensure that lotus flowers bloom at every polling booth.”

    It is noteworthy that, for the first time in several decades, the BJP has not announced a chief ministerial candidate in Rajasthan. Sources within the BJP suggest that the party is contesting this election under the leadership of PM Modi. It remains to be seen how effectively PM Modi can compete with CM Ashok Gehlot and the Congress, who seek to retain power in the state by highlighting their public welfare initiatives.

  • Cong party like ‘rusted iron’ which promoted corruption, poverty and appeasement politics: PM Modi 

    PM Modi said if given an opportunity, Congress will back out on this bill that seeks to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state legislatures. BHOPAL: With an eye on the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday tore into Congress equating the party with “rusted iron” which he said would push MP back into the BIMARU category if given an opportunity again.

    Addressing a massive gathering of BJP workers ‘Karyakarta Mahakumb’, the prime minister said the Congress and its allies in the “Ghamandia” bloc supported the Women’s Reservation Bill out of compulsion and hesitation as they understood the power of “nari shakti”.

    He said if given an opportunity, Congress will back out on this bill that seeks to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state legislatures.

    The ‘Karyakarta Mahakumbh’ was organised on the birth anniversary of Jana Sangh co-founder Deendayal Upadhyaya to mark the formal culmination of the BJP’s ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatras’ that crisscrossed the length and breadth of the state.

    “Congress and allies backed the women’s reservation bill out of compulsion. Its passage was possible as ‘Modi hai to Mumkin hai’. Modi means the guarantee of fulfilling guarantees,” Modi said and slammed Congress and its allies for not allowing the passage of this bill when they were in power.

    “Congress is a parivarwadi party with a history of crores of corruption and vote-bank appeasement. It’s like rusted iron that will be finished if kept in the rain,” Modi said.

    He also targeted Rahul Gandhi without taking his name, saying for Congress leaders born with a silver spoon, “the life of poor people is like an adventure tourism and picnic and the poor person’s agri field is a place for video shooting and photo session”.

    Modi said first-time voters in MP are fortunate that they have seen only the BJP rule in the state, which is the key centre of India’s development vision. For a developed India, MP too needs to be developed, he added. Modi said Congress wanted people to remain poor in its own interest.

    “During its erstwhile rule, Congress had pushed MP, which has rich resources, into a BIMARU (laggard) state”. He said more than 13. 5 crore people came out of poverty under the BJP rule in the last five years in the country.

    “The Congress had turned MP into BIMARU state during its long rule after Independence. It will make MP BIMARU again if it gets an opportunity,” Modi added. He slammed Congress for criticising the BJP over the construction of the new Parliament building, quality roads and modern stations.

    “Congress spreads negativity. They don’t like the achievements of the nation. They want to take the country back to the 20th Century,” Modi said, adding the Congress destroyed the states ruled by it with crores of corruption.

    After Modi reached the stage at the venue, a group of BJP’s women wing members honoured him with a huge garland for the passage of the Women Reservation Bill.