Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday accused the Congress and its allies of consistently opposing the Women's Reservation Bill, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would continue its political fight until the legislation is passed.
Janakrosha Padayatra Launched
Speaking to reporters after launching the BJP women's wing's Janakrosha Padayatra in Hubballi, Joshi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would decide in the next session whether the Bill would be tabled again. Addressing a gathering at Nehru Stadium later, he claimed the Bill had first been introduced during H D Deve Gowda's tenure as prime minister and alleged that the Congress had failed to support it even then.
BJP State President Targets Congress
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra also targeted the Congress, terming April 17 as a dark day and accusing the party of conspiring against the Bill. He said women would respond politically in the coming days. Vijayendra also defended the recent hike in commercial LPG prices, linking it to global factors and alleging political exploitation by the opposition.
Union Minister Alleges Conspiracy
Union minister Shobha Karandlaje alleged a conspiracy by the Indi Alliance to divide the country over opposition to the Bill. Several local leaders, including MLAs Mahesh Tenginakai, Arvind Bellad, MR Patil, former minister Shankar Patil Munenakoppa, and CC Patil, were present at the function.
