BENGALURU: Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka has lashed out at the Congress party for obstructing the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament. "By preventing women from gaining political representation, Congress has shattered the dreams of crores of women. The people of this country will never forgive this betrayal," he thundered. Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday at the BJP state office, ‘Jagannath Bhavan,’ Ashoka severely criticized what he termed the "anti-woman" policies of the Congress party.

Congress Dampens the Dreams of Women

"For the first time in the nation’s history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the historic decision to grant women their constitutional rights. However, by refusing to support this, Congress has worked to suppress women's power. It has crushed the aspirations of women who wished to enter Legislative Assemblies and Parliament. The curse of this sin will surely haunt Congress and its allies," Ashoka warned.

A Tactic to Keep Women at Home with ‘Free Bus’ Rides?

Taking a dig at the Congress government's guarantee schemes, Ashoka said, "The Congress calculation is that if they provide ₹2,000 and free bus rides, women will simply stay at home and cook. They do not want women to have political status. The day is not far when mothers will chase Congress leaders into the streets for using women as mere vote banks."

Delimitation is Just an Excuse

Rejecting the Congress party’s objections regarding the delimitation process, he remarked, "This is nothing but an attempt to find flaws where none exist. Why did they remain silent when delimitation happened several times in the past? They are now using delimitation as a shield to trample upon the rights of women."

Warning of Tax Burdens Under the Siddaramaiah Govt

Addressing the state’s economic condition and rising prices, Ashoka launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah:

Series of Taxes: Ahead of the Greater Bengaluru elections, the people of the state must prepare to shoulder a series of new taxes.

Allegations of Deception: He accused CM Siddaramaiah of being "deceptive" by hiking electricity prices and cutting into the pockets of the common man. He further claimed the government lacks funds even to pay employee salaries.

Fear of Defeat: He asserted that the government lacks the courage to conduct Bengaluru elections because the shadow of defeat is looming over them.

"Having committed an unpardonable crime by opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill, Congress should immediately dissolve its own Women’s Wing."

— R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition

The press conference was attended by Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, BJP State Vice President Malavika Avinash, and Mahila Morcha State President C. Manjula.