Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes that women will play an equally important role alongside men in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
Speaking at a International Women’s Day programme organised by the BJP Mahila Morcha at Havyaka Bhavan in Malleswaram, Vijayendra said Prime Minister Modi is leading the nation with the spirit of a “Pradhan Sevak” and is committed to empowering women in every sphere of life.
He recalled initiatives introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, stating that the Bhagyalakshmi scheme changed the social perception that a girl child was a burden and instead recognised her as a blessing. He also highlighted the bicycle scheme, which helped girls from rural areas continue their education by overcoming difficulties related to transportation and infrastructure.
Vijayendra also criticised the state government over the Belagavi incident in which a Scheduled Tribe woman was allegedly stripped, noting that the incident occurred just 10 km away from Suvarna Soudha while the Assembly session was underway. He alleged that the government failed to respond decisively and said BJP leaders personally met the victim’s family to offer support.
He further stated that awareness among women has increased significantly and that women should not remain confined to household responsibilities but should take leadership roles in society, politics and governance. Vijayendra praised Prime Minister Modi for demonstrating commitment to women’s empowerment, citing the election of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, as the President of India.
He also highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of respecting women, recalling historic figures such as Akka Mahadevi, Kittur Rani Chennamma and Onake Obavva as symbols of women’s strength and leadership.
Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, BJP Mahila Morcha State President Kum. C. Manjula, MLC Bharati Shetty, former state secretary Bharati Mugdam, former Mahila Morcha state president Geetha Vivekananda, former Women’s Commission chairperson Pramila Naidu, and several Mahila Morcha leaders were present at the event.
