Jammu, Sept 08: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Working President Raman Bhalla on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre, accusing it of depriving women of empowerment and opportunities during its 10-year rule in the country.
Addressing a public meeting at Shiv Nagar Jogi Mohalla Panchayat Babliana in RS Pura, Jammu South Constituency, Bhalla, according to a statement “expressed deep concern over the plight of women under the present dispensation”. “The crime graph against women has reached new heights, making them the most vulnerable and suffering section of society,” he said.
“Instead of empowering women, the BJP has systematically deprived them of opportunities and safety,” the Congress leader said, adding that there is an urgent need for change.
He said highlighted the “hardships” faced by widows and elderly women who are not receiving their pensions, demanding that the pension amount be raised to Rs 5,000 per month amidst the highly inflationary period.
Bhalla criticised the current government for its “failure” to empower women in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the BJP government at the Centre and the Union Territory administration of providing nothing but lip service, leaving women of J&K neglected and underserved. He also slammed the BJP for its failure to raise a Border Battalion for women in the border areas.
“Our history is replete with examples of women playing vital roles in shaping our society. Yet, today, under the BJP’s rule, women are being pushed back into the shadows, their rights trampled upon, and their potential stifled,” he added.
The JKPCC leader called upon the women of Jammu and Kashmir to come forward and play a vital role in the upcoming assembly polls. He asserted that Congress is the sole guarantor of the welfare of the masses and that if given the opportunity to return to power, the party would resolve the people’s problems effectively.
The former minister also criticised the incumbent government for its failure on all fronts, saying that the benefits of government schemes are not reaching the deserving poor womenfolk due to corruption and nepotism prevalent at all levels. “Congress is committed to protecting women’s rights and ensuring their empowerment,” he said. “The Congress has always stood for the upliftment of weaker sections of society and empowerment of women. The Party will continue to fight for their rights and provide them with the support and opportunities they deserve.”
