Has Congress Neglected Women's Empowerment?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP claims Congress has neglected women's empowerment.
- Prime Minister Modi is set to address a key event focused on women.
- High crime rates against women in Madhya Pradesh raise concerns.
- Political tensions highlight differing approaches to women's issues.
- Public funds are questioned in the context of political events.
Bhopal, May 30 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh BJP President V.D. Sharma remarked on Friday that the Congress has failed to implement any initiatives aimed at the empowerment of women, a task that is currently being undertaken by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both at the national and state levels.
He also criticized the Congress for questioning the upcoming 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan', which will be addressed by Prime Minister Modi at Bhopal's Jamboree Maidan on Saturday.
According to him, the initiatives undertaken by the state government to empower women reflect the Congress' negative outlook.
He claimed that despite their long tenure in power at both the national and state levels, the Congress has done little to support women's empowerment.
"Now, as the BJP government under Prime Minister Modi takes continuous steps to empower women across the country, the Congress leaders are feeling discomfort. It has been their consistent behavior to oppose development," stated BJP leader Sharma.
His comments came in response to accusations from Congress that the BJP was seeking political gains from 'Operation Sindoor', a decisive move against terrorism by the Indian Armed Forces.
In reply to Congress' allegations, the State BJP President remarked, "The Congress should take a lesson from their own leader Shashi Tharoor, who is currently leading a bipartisan delegation abroad to expose Pakistan."
BJP leader Sharma, a two-time MP from Khajuraho, criticized the Congress for opposing significant initiatives by PM Modi, such as the 'triple talaq' and 'women reservation' Bills that were introduced in Parliament.
Earlier, in a coordinated political assault aimed at the BJP, Congress leaders held a press conference and sent open letters to PM Modi, questioning why Minister Vijay Shah, whose remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi were labeled as "gutter" and "crass" by the courts, has not been dismissed from the state Cabinet.
In his letter to Modi, State Congress President Jitu Patwari highlighted that Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of crimes against women in recent years, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.
Patwari pointed out that major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior have been designated as red zones for crimes against women.
He further mentioned that PM Modi will address a rally in honor of Ahilyabai Holkar, and the residents of Madhya Pradesh are eager to hear his views on Minister Vijay Shah during his speech at Bhopal's Jamboree Maidan.
"While the Congress acknowledges that women empowerment and recognizing women is a positive step, this event, funded by public money, should not be manipulated for political ends," Patwari added, noting that the financial burden on the Madhya Pradesh government has surged past Rs 4.21 lakh crore.