BJP Accuses Congress of Anti-Women Stance Over Karnataka Ministry Exclusion

Opposition BJP legislators in Karnataka have accused the ruling Congress government of displaying an anti-women attitude following the formation of a cabinet without any female members. The protest, which took place on August 14, centered on the exclusion of women from the ministerial council led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

What Happened

BJP MLAs staged a demonstration in front of the Bhuvaneshwari statue near Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru to express their discontent over various issues, notably the lack of women's inclusion in the newly formed ministry. The party cited the exclusion as a significant concern.

Key Facts

• BJP legislators protested the absence of women in the Karnataka cabinet on August 14.
• The protest occurred in front of the Bhuvaneshwari statue near Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
• BJP State unit president B. Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress government's action.
• Former minister and BJP MLA Shashikala Jolle stated that Congress uses women for political interests and votes but denies them ministry representation.
• Opposition leaders R. Ashok and Chalawadi Narayanswamy participated in the protest.
• BJP claimed a woman MLC's name had been cleared by the party high command for inclusion.
• Vijayendra remarked that this is the first time a legislative session is being held without a woman minister.

Background

BJP State unit president B. Y. Vijayendra referenced Karnataka's history of social reformers like Basavanna and Akka Mahadevi, who championed women's empowerment, to contrast with the current situation. Former minister Shashikala Jolle accused the Congress of seeking women's votes without offering them ministerial positions.