Mangaluru: Launching its show of support for the 33% women’s reservation bill, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, district BJP Mahila Morcha members on Wednesday began a signature campaign at the office of MP Capt Brijesh Chowta. The Mahila Morcha is also planning a bike rally, among other events, in the coming days.Leading a group of women leaders, Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya, told mediapersons, “The early and effective implementation of the policy will pave the way for women to transform from being ‘beneficiaries of policies’ to ‘makers of policy’.”On the sidelines, when asked about the number of aspirants in the district, Murulya said there are not many women aspirants for tickets in the BJP. “However, if the occasion arises, we are ready to take up responsibility,” she added.“With increased participation of women in decision-making, issues such as health, nutrition, security, water and sanitation will gain greater priority. The experience of women’s reservation in local bodies has shown that,” she said.She lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting holistic women’s empowerment over the past decade through policies such as Beti Bachao, which increased school enrolment to 80%, Sukanya Samriddhi, under which 46 million bank accounts were opened, and Matru Vandan, through which 42.7 million women received nutritional support, among others.Outlining the programmes planned during the 10-day campaign, state BJP Mahila Morcha general secretary Shilpa G Suvarna told TOI, “We have planned five programmes. A town hall meeting with intellectuals is scheduled before April 20. Meetings for women party workers across 315 mandals are planned. We will also organise bike or scooter rallies wherever permitted; where not permitted, we will hold padayatras. A missed call campaign has also begun.“Murulya dismissed questions on delimitation that could compromise the share of assembly seats allocated to South Indian states.
