Congress, only Party to Respect Women – Mamatha Gatti

Congress, only Party to Respect Women – Mamatha Gatti

Mangaluru: The South Block Congress committee organized the Mahila Congress workers meet at Kanthi Church Hall, Mangaladevi here on September 26.

The programme began with an invocation. Member of Mahila congress Shobha welcomed the gathering. District Mahila Congress president Mamatha Gatti inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.

Addressing the gathering Mamatha Gatti said, “Congress is the only party where women have respect and also given an opportunity to contest the elections. Indira Gandhi is the first woman Prime Minister of India. Being the first woman Prime Minister, she brought changes favouring women in the political field. Because of Indira Gandhi we women have got an opportunity to contest the elections, she implemented several schemes for women, pregnant women, children, strengthened anti-dowry policies, raising the age of marriage and took the responsibility of giving a better life for the underprivileged and the women in distress. Because of Indira Gandhi many women have joined politics”.

She further said that what development work was not done in 25 years, our MLA has done it in 3 years. MLA J R Lobo is working for the development of the constituency with integrity. The people of Mangalore South Constituency have done a wonderful job by electing a sincere man as their representative. Lobo is working hard to make Mangaluru a beautiful, clean and green city. We the party workers should work hard to strengthen the party. Congress is the only party where women are respected and given the opportunity to contest the elections.

Mamatha stressed that in the coming elections we need to win all the 8 constituencies and we all should work hard for the success of the party.

Social worker Merlyn Martis speaking on the occasion said, “Earlier women did not have the right to vote. In the world, millions of women activists and reformers have fought for their voting right for more than 200 years. But now women are in politics and they are playing a vital role in the administration. In Pakistan, Srilanka and Bangladesh women have the reservation. In India also there is reservation for women in administration. When women get their rights, it will help them to take bold steps and also join politics.

She further said that joining politics is not easy. If any woman achieves something, there are a number of people to pull her down, to defame her by talking ill about her. If anyone is trying to discourage you, forget them since you know what you are doing and you don’t need character certificate from anyone. Most of the time, harassment starts in her own home.

She also said that we have knowledge of everything but we lack knowledge of marriage and politics. Our women have reached only up to the Panchayat level. In the next elections, women should get 50% rights to contest the Lok Sabha and elections and win all the 8 constituencies.

MLA J R Lobo said that the Congress party has given ample opportunities for women in politics. The party has given equal rights to the Dalits, backward class and the underprivileged. In the district administration, women have 33% reservation. In the country from the time of Indira Gandhi, the congress party has worked for the welfare of the women. For the development of the country, women should be treated equally, they should take leadership in politics.

Congress party worker Gangamma Bajal was felicitated on the occasion. President of South Block Mahila Congress Namitha D Rao presided over the programme.

MUDA Chairman Ibrahim Kodijal, South block president Balakrishna Shetty, Tejomaya, Prabhakar Shriyan, former Mayor Jacintha Alfred and others were also present.