JD-S Pioneered Reservation Benefits: H.D. Deve Gowda
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda emphasized that JD-S was the first to introduce reservation benefits for social justice, criticizing Congress for capitalizing on it. He also highlighted the need for women's empowerment in politics and urged party unity and outreach.
Key Takeaways
- JD-S pioneered reservation benefits for social justice.
- Former PM Deve Gowda criticized Congress for benefiting from these initiatives.
- At least 50 women's gatherings are to be organized statewide.
- Nikhil Kumaraswamy emphasized the importance of women in politics.
- Anita Kumaraswamy criticized Congress leaders during the event.
Bengaluru, March 8 (NationPress) Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda stated on Saturday that JD-S was the pioneer of reservation benefits.
"We were the ones to introduce reservation benefits for social justice and the underprivileged in the state. Yet, today, the Congress party is reaping its rewards," he remarked while addressing a Women’s Day celebration at the JD-S state office, JP Bhavan in Bengaluru.
"They have unveiled the budget. I won’t comment on it now; I will speak when the time is appropriate. Nonetheless, they claim to advocate for social justice. It was us who initiated reservation benefits for the disadvantaged in this state. But now, it has turned in favor of the Congress party," he continued.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has empowered women. We support him without fear. At least 50 gatherings for women should be organized throughout the state. Even if I need to seek funds, I will ensure it happens. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (his son) and I will be involved in these events. We must inform people about our contributions to this land and educate them about those in power who have done little for the populace. In the upcoming elections, I aspire for at least 80 women to represent our party in the Assembly elections. I want to witness this in my lifetime. Modi has initiated numerous programs for women’s empowerment, and the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in Parliament," stated the former Prime Minister.
He encouraged party members to unite for the growth of the party, visit every district, connect with workers, and strengthen the organization under their leadership. "I, too, will travel extensively. Under Nikhil’s guidance, the youth must help build the party," he expressed, instilling confidence among party workers and leaders.
"Let’s not celebrate Women’s Day just one time a year, but cherish it every day in our hearts. Today, we are commemorating this event in the presence of Deve Gowda at the party office. I recognize the sacrifices that women have made for the party. My grandfather, Deve Gowda, traversed the state to establish the party, and I can only fathom the sacrifices my grandmother made," remarked Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Union Minister Kumaraswamy.
"I have faced setbacks in three elections at a young age. Ups and downs are part of elections. If our intentions are pure, we will achieve our objectives. With divine blessings and Deve Gowda’s support, I will travel throughout the state to fortify the party. India is progressing in all sectors. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the country is on course to become the third-largest economic power globally. Everyone should appreciate his ten years of governance. India has attained remarkable global recognition, and Modi is the reason for it. Deve Gowda took a commendable step by introducing 33 percent reservation for women. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha at that time. However, it failed in the Lok Sabha due to a lack of support from RJD and Samajwadi Party, who were part of his government. Had it passed then, women’s reservations would have long been implemented. Now, Modi has successfully enacted it. That is genuine women empowerment," Nikhil stated, criticizing the Congress government’s stance.
During the Women’s Day celebration, former MLA and wife of Union Minister Kumaraswamy, Anita Kumaraswamy, strongly condemned D.K. Suresh, former MP and younger brother of Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
"While I was the MLA of Ramanagara, I encountered numerous challenges. Some individuals obstructed the formation of Harohalli taluk. Files were intentionally delayed in Vidhana Soudha," she alleged, directing her criticism towards Congress leaders.
"Some people were so uninformed that they didn’t even know where Ramanagara was, yet they delivered fiery speeches questioning our contributions. How was Ramanagara before, and how is it now? We can observe the development that has occurred. The credit for this belongs to Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy, and me. The Congress party’s contribution is nonexistent," she stated, launching a subtle attack on D.K. Suresh without naming him.
