We provided reservation, but Congress is reaping rewards: H D Deve Gowda
5 min read
Bengaluru: “It was we who introduced social justice and reservation benefits for the weaker sections in this State. However, today, Congress is enjoying its rewards,” said former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.
He was speaking at a Women’s Day celebration held at the JDS state office, JP Bhavan on Saturday.
“They have presented the budget. I will not say a word about it now. I will speak when the time is right. But they talk a lot about social justice. It was we who ensured social justice and reservation benefits for the weaker sections in this State. However, it is Congress that is benefiting from it now,” he remarked.
H D Deve Gowda assigns task to Nikhil
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has empowered women. We stand with him and we have no fear. The party must organise at least 50 women’s conventions in the near future. Even if I have to beg for money, I will ensure it happens. Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy will attend, I will attend and Nikhil must travel across the State to strengthen the party and organise these conventions,” said Deve Gowda.
“We must tell the people what we have done and how we have served this land. At the same time, we must also make people aware of those who are enjoying power without having done anything,” he emphasised.
“In the coming years, at least 80 women candidates should contest Assembly elections from our party. I want to see this with my own eyes. Prime Minister Modi has implemented numerous programmes for women’s empowerment and the Women’s Reservation Bill has been passed in Parliament,” said the former Prime Minister.
He urged everyone to work unitedly for the party’s growth, visit every district, connect with party workers and build the organisation under strong leadership.
“I will also visit every place. Under Nikhil’s leadership, the youth must build the organisation,” he said, instilling confidence in party workers and women leaders.
“We celebrate it in our Hearts Every Day” – Nikhil Kumaraswamy
“Women’s Day should not be celebrated just once a year; we must celebrate it in our hearts every day. Today’s event is happening in the presence of Deve Gowda at the party office. I understand the sacrifices made by women for the party’s organisation. If my grandfather, Deve Gowda, travelled across the State to build the party, imagine the sacrifices my grandmother must have made,” said Nikhil Kumaraswamy.
“I lost three elections at a young age. Ups and downs in elections are normal. If our intentions are right, we will achieve our goals. I have the blessings of God and Deve Gowda. In the coming days, I will tour the entire state and work for party organisation,” he added.
“India is progressing in all sectors. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is set to become the third-largest economic power in the world. Everyone must appreciate his ten years of governance. Today, India has earned global recognition, and the credit goes to Modi,” said Nikhil.
Nikhil becomes emotional remembering his grandmother’s sacrifices
“Deve Gowda has done tremendous work as the Prime Minister and Chief Minister. The strength behind him was my grandmother, Chennamma. People would visit my grandfather from villages, and my grandmother would serve them food with love and care. Her sacrifices are well known to all. No one can forget them. She led an ideal life. Even today, when I go home, she sits with Deve Gowda and eats meals together. I feel blessed to witness this,” Nikhil said emotionally.
“My mother, Anitha Kumaraswamy, was elected as an MLA twice. She never intended to enter politics but defeated influential leaders to make her way. She has done remarkable development work in Ramanagara. Though she does not actively participate in events these days, she has come today for Women’s Day. She works tirelessly behind the scenes for the party,” Nikhil recalled.
“Women empowerment does not mean depositing Rs 2,000 into bank accounts whenever convenient. Deve Gowda took a bold step to provide 33% reservation for women. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha, but it failed in the Lok Sabha because RJD and Samajwadi Party, which were part of the ruling coalition, did not support it. If not for that, women’s reservation would have been implemented long ago. PM Modi has now made it a reality. This is true women empowerment,” Nikhil Kumaraswamy said, taking a dig at the Congress government.
Nikhil remembers Ratnamala Savanoor
“In 1996, when Deve Gowda was the Chief Minister, the Janata Dal gave a ticket to Ratnamala Savanoor to contest the Chikkodi Lok Sabha seat. There was a fierce battle between the Congress and Janata Dal. When the results were announced, the first result to come in was from Chikkodi. Ratnamala Savanoor defeated Congress stalwart and then Union Minister B Shankaranand by a margin of 1,12,759 votes. That day, Deve Gowda was extremely happy. My father, Kumaraswamy, has told me and my mother about this many times. Such victories should happen again in our party,” Nikhil Kumaraswamy said.
Speaking at the event, JDS Bengaluru unit president Ramesh Gowda stated, “Today, many women leaders in our party are working with dedication. In the coming days, such dedicated leaders will be identified and encouraged.”
JDS State Women’s Wing President Rashmi Ramegowda also spoke at the event.
The Women’s Day celebration was inaugurated by senior writer and journalist Pratibha Nandakumar, who also delivered the keynote address.
JDS Legislative Party leader C B Suresh Babu, former ministers Leeladevi R Prasad and Venkatarav Nada Gowda, former MLA Anitha Kumaraswamy, MLC Javarayi Gowda, former MLA K A Tippeswamy and thousands of women party workers attended the event.
Anitha Kumaraswamy Counters D K Suresh
Speaking at the International Women’s Day event, former MLA Anitha Kumaraswamy lashed out at former MP D K Suresh.
“When I was the MLA of Ramanagara, I faced several challenges. Some people did not allow the formation of Harohalli taluk. They kept the files locked in the Vidhana Soudha,” she said, expressing her frustration at Congress leaders.
“They had no idea where Ramanagara was, yet they gave fiery speeches. They asked what our contribution to Ramanagara was. Look at Ramanagara today! It has transformed and developed. Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy and I have contributed to this. Congress’ contribution is zero,” she declared, attacking D K Suresh without directly naming him.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
