Jammu, July 25 : Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), voiced strong criticism against the BJP government at the Centre, accusing it of depriving women of empowerment during its 10 years’ of rule in the country.
The senior NC leader was speaking during a daylong convention of NC Women Wing held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan Jammu. The meeting was organised under the chairmanship of Bimla Luthra, State Vice President Women wing JKNC and former MLA, who highlighted the adverse impact of the BJP regime on women’s rights and safety.
At the outset of the meeting, Bimla Luthra expressed deep concern over the plight of women under the present dispensation. She pointed out that the crime graph against women has reached new heights, making them the most vulnerable and suffering section of society. “Instead of empowering women, the BJP has systematically deprived them of opportunities and safety,” she said, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
The former MLA further highlighted the hardships faced by widows and elderly women who are not receiving their pensions, demanding that the pension amount be raised to Rs 5000 per month amidst the highly inflationary period.
Addressing the party cadre, Rattan Lal Gupta criticized the current government for its blatant failure to empower women in Jammu and Kashmir. He accused the BJP government at the Centre and the Union Territory Administration of providing nothing but lip service, leaving the women of J&K neglected and underserved. He further criticized the BJP for its failure to raise a Border Battalion for women in the border areas. He emphasized that this oversight has left many women without opportunities for employment, highlighting the BJP’s lack of commitment to women’s empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our history is replete with examples of women playing vital roles in shaping our society. Yet, today, under the BJP’s rule, women are being pushed back into the shadows, their rights trampled upon, and their potential stifled,” he added.
The Provincial President highlighted that during the regime of the NC government, 50 percent of MBBS seats in J&K were reserved for women students, contrasting this with the current administration’s empty promises.
Rattan Lal Gupta called upon the women of Jammu and Kashmir to come forward and play a vital role in the upcoming Assembly polls. He asserted that NC is the sole guarantor of the welfare of the masses and that if given the opportunity to return to power, the party would resolve the people’s problems effectively.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Provincial Secretary Jammu strongly criticized the incumbent Government for its failure on all fronts. He said that benefits of Government schemes are not reaching the deserving poor womenfolk due to corruption and nepotism prevalent at all levels and the government is wholly and solely responsible for this sordid state of affairs in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
Vijay Lochan, Chairman NC SC Cell, reiterated the Party’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring their empowerment. “The National Conference has always stood for the upliftment of weaker sections of society and empowerment of women. The Party will continue to fight for their rights and provide them with the support and opportunities they deserve,” the leader stated.
Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretary Jammu, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone and Sardar Jatinder Singh Lucky former Vice Chairman Cantt. Board Jammu urged the women of Jammu and Kashmir to support the National Conference leadership in the upcoming polls, stating that it is time to strengthen the hands of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah to form a government that is people as well as women-centric and considerate towards the problems of the common masses.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution to intensify efforts towards women’s empowerment and to hold the BJP government accountable for its shortcomings in addressing women’s issues. The JKNC leaders vowed to work tirelessly to create a safer and more equitable environment for women in Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those who were present, Rita Gupta, Dilshad Malik Vice Presidents Central Zone, Sandesh Shan Secretary Central Zone, S. Tejinder Singh District President Jammu Urban YNC, Ashanand Joint Secretary District Jammu Urban, Ch. Rafiq, Joginder Kour District Vice President Jammu Urban women wing, Bharti, Raj Kour, Savita, Raji, Telki, Rani and others.