JAIPUR: As the MeToo campaign rages on and puts women’s issues into sharper focus in the country, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi asserted he would ensure greater participation for women at all levels in the Grand Old Party.
Rahul promised that women will get suitable representation in the party organisation.
“I have taken the decision that I will promote the participation of women in the organisation and at the level of zila parishad, pradhan and then at the level of MLA and MP. After that I want that in the next five to seven years, half of our chief ministers should be women,” he said in Kota on Thursday.
Even on the more immediate task of distributing tickets for the upcoming elections, Rahul asserted that he will ensure a better deal for women.
‘People in the party want that winability should be the criteria for ticket distribution. But if I find that this is being used as an excuse to deny tickets to women, I will ensure that justice is done and women get six-eight seats. I will not hesitate to take risks as I feel it’s important to ensure the rights of women,” the Congress president asserted.
Attacking the BJP and the RSS for their alleged conservative approach towards women, Rahul said his party, in contrast, promotes women.
“This is the difference between the BJP and the Congress. The BJP and the RSS say women should not be progressive and should not go out of the houses. You will not find a single woman in RSS meetings. The BJP has an organisation of women but it does not take any decision,” the Congress chief said.
Rahul did not spare Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje, saying she hardly cares for women. “In Rajasthan, innocent girls are raped in a large number, but nothing is being done to stop them nor is strong action taken against the accused,” he said.
AICC president reaches out to rural masses
Rahul reached Rajasthan’s Sikar district in Shekwati region, which is called the land of soldiers and farmers. The Congress chief made a point to attack the PM over the alleged corruption in the Rafale deal, and highlighted the Modi-Ambani connection.