Priyanka to address women’s meet in B’luru

The convention is being organised by the women’s wing of the state unit of Congress and will be attended by the party’s national leaders along with women who contested elections to various panchayats and cooperative societies

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will address a women’s convention in Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds in poll-bound Karnataka on January 16, people in the know of the developments said on Tuesday.

At the convention to be addressed by Priyanka Gandhi, Congress is slated to release a separate manifesto for women welfare, aimed at attracting more women voters in Karnataka. (HT Archives)

At the convention, Congress is slated to release a separate manifesto for women welfare, aimed at attracting more women voters in the state, one of the people quoted above said.

Confirming Gandhi’s participation, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar said: “Naa Nayaki’ (I am a leader) Samavesha is being organised at the Palace Grounds on January 16, for the empowerment of women in the state”.

The convention is being organised by the women’s wing of the state unit of Congress and will be attended by the party’s national leaders along with women who contested elections to various panchayats and cooperative societies. “We have called on 3-10 women from each booth or panchayat to attend the convention,” Shivakumar said.

He said that 50% of the population of the state and the country comprises of women.

“So, the Congress has decided to make a separate manifesto for women. The party should contribute to their lives and solve their problems. The party has been providing leadership and strength to women. In the past, Congress has also held Anganwadi programmes, and conventions for Asha workers and self-help groups,” Shivakumar said.

The Congress has invited suggestions until January 15 for the women’s manifesto. Citizens can write to congresswomenmanifesto@gmail.com or WhatsApp 7996551999‌.

“Believing that the upliftment of the country is through women empowerment, the Congress party is giving special priority to women in the upcoming election manifesto. Your suggestions on: Congresswomenmanifesto@gmail.com, or send to this WhatsApp number 7996551999. Your advice is our commitment,” the state Congress chief said on Twitter.

“All women and leaders can give their advice by January 15. We are collecting their opinions so that their customs, ideas and opinions becomes our voice and solutions to problems are found. Public and women leaders from other parties can also advise (in the matter). They can give their opinion through social media, email, WhatsApp and letter,” Shivakumar told reporters on Monday.

“Women are the eyes of the society, they are a force and we have convened a conference for their empowerment. We have invited national leaders to this convention. Thousands of suggestions have already been received and these are being reviewed by a committee. Priyanka Gandhi will announce the promises of the Congress to women at the convention,” he added.

Priyanka Gandhi’s visit assumes significance with the assembly elections just few months away in the state. She had earlier skipped the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka.

When asked about fulfilling the promises given to women, Shivakumar said, “We walk as we speak. BJP has made 600 promises in its manifesto and 550 promises have not been fulfilled. A question about this is constantly being asked, and it is not being answered. Before Siddaramaiah’s government, 95% of the promises we made were completed.”

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