Daijiworld Media Network
Kalaburagi, March 9: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged women to prepare for the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, especially with the impending implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Speaking at an event marking International Women's Day on Saturday, Shivakumar emphasised that the Bill, expected to take effect by 2028, would pave the way for more women to run for political office. "The Women’s Reservation Bill is likely to come into effect from 2028. Get ready to contest the elections. No one can stop you in a democratic setup," he said, encouraging women to engage in the political process.
The Deputy CM pointed out that women are already in positions of power, from local panchayats to Parliament. “There is already 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayats, but often men are running the show through women family members. That will change, and soon women will be capable of running the show themselves,” he added.
Shivakumar acknowledged the Congress government’s earlier attempts under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill but said it had been delayed for various reasons. He noted, "The Bill is now passed, and it will be implemented in the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. We are not sure who will lose their seats due to this new reservation." He further remarked that the Bill would alter the political landscape, encouraging greater female participation.
The Deputy CM also emphasised the importance of women in society. "Women play an essential role in our families and communities. There are numerous examples in history showcasing their importance," he said, citing the words of Basavanna, who referred to women as "punya stree" (holy women). Shivakumar continued, "Women are making waves across all sectors. They have the ability to lead the country in the future. Indira Gandhi has already set a precedent, and the Women’s Reservation Bill will bring substantial change."
He added that Women's Day events should be entirely managed by women, with male officials no longer involved in such functions. “I have come here to take the blessings of the women of Kalyana Karnataka, even though a major event is taking place in Bengaluru,” Shivakumar said.
Regarding the Congress party’s recent initiatives, Shivakumar noted that four of the five guarantees made by the government directly aimed at empowering women. "Our government is committed to empowering women economically," he asserted.
Shivakumar also launched the Kalyana Patha project in Jewargi, a significant development initiative that will see the construction of nearly 1,150 km of roads across 38 rural constituencies in Kalyana Karnataka. He expressed his gratitude to the people of the region for their support in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections and vowed to repay this trust by prioritising regional development.
The Deputy CM praised Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for his role in securing the special status for Kalyana Karnataka under Article 371(J), a decision that was pivotal in the region’s development. "It was Mallikarjun Kharge who made this a reality when others, like L.K. Advani, claimed it was impossible," Shivakumar said.
He went on to mention that the Congress government allocates an additional Rs 5,000 crore annually for the development of Kalyana Karnataka, with nearly Rs 120 crore earmarked for each constituency in the region. "We continue this allocation in the latest state Budget, ensuring sustained growth for Kalyana Karnataka," Shivakumar added.
Reflecting on the legacy of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shivakumar acknowledged the immense contributions he made to the nation’s economic and social development. "Although Dr. Singh is no longer with us, we cannot forget his role in implementing policies like the Right to Education and the Food Security Act, as well as his efforts to strengthen Kalyana Karnataka," he concluded.