Kavitha Reddy speaks out against appointment of Sowmya Reddy as Karnataka Mahila Congress President
Bengaluru: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has appointed Sowmya Reddy, former Jayanagar MLA and daughter of State Minister Ramalinga Reddy, as the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee. Along with her new role, Reddy holds the positions of General Secretary of the All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) and the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
However, the appointment has sparked criticism within the party. KPCC General Secretary Kavitha Reddy expressed her dissatisfaction, calling it a "grave injustice" to the many independent women leaders who have been working for the party based on merit and were contenders for the post for the past two years.
As an Ambedkarite, Reddy said that independent women leaders who have risen through hard work and competency are often overlooked due to caste considerations. She stressed that social justice and gender justice should not just be part of the discourse but should be implemented in action to strengthen both the party and the nation.
Reddy also voiced concerns about the impact of consistently giving opportunities to ministers' children, stating that it demotivates party workers and diminishes the aspiration to enter politics. She urged for the nurturing of independent and strong women leadership, highlighting its importance for both the party and the country.
Despite her criticism, Reddy affirmed her respect for the party's decision and commitment to continue working as a true Congresswoman and believer in Rahul Gandhi's fearless politics, while making her views known.
In addition to Reddy's appointment, the AICC also announced new presidents for the Mahila Congress in other states, including Chuku Nachi for Andhra Pradesh and Nandita Hooda for Chandigarh.
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Kharge calls NDA ‘opportunist alliance thriving on corruption’ at rally
Puducherry (PTI): Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said the NDA "is an opportunist alliance that thrives on corruption and the looting of public assets".
Addressing a rally of the INDIA bloc in Puducherry, the Congress president said Prime Minister Narendra Modi "had done nothing" for the union territory’s development.
He urged voters to back the INDIA bloc in the April 9 Assembly polls, calling it "an opportunity for the people to fight against divisive forces led by the BJP and RSS, which are destroying unity, harmony, and the progressive spirit of Puducherry."
Kharge also criticised the BJP for neglecting smaller states like Puducherry and made a strong case for granting it statehood, promising, "Congress will secure statehood—this is a guarantee we give to the people here".
He alleged that under the current AINRC-BJP coalition, Puducherry is "riddled with corruption and a 30 per cent commission system," with the NDA government exploiting the union territory, despite it being "one of the country’s most beautiful places".
He expressed concern over "misuse of funds and stalled development", alleging corruption had "seeped into every sector".
Kharge claimed that despite Prime Minister Modi’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, "everything in practice is being handed to one person, Adani—from land to skies."
He added that the NDA was "exploiting land, temple lands, and public property."
The Congress leader also criticised the AINRC-BJP rule for granting permits for around 450 liquor shops and restaurants over the last five years, claiming, "Instead of providing clean water, the government has been giving liquor to the people."
Kharge compared the current situation with the previous Congress rule, highlighting development across sectors, particularly healthcare. "Hospitals were established here to take care of the health of the people," he said.
Among his promises, Kharge pledged "gold for mangala sutra" for women if Congress is elected, along with free education from primary school to research level.
He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promises to Puducherry had not materialised and renewed his call for full statehood, citing the lack of powers as a "hindrance" to the elected government.
He recalled that during the previous Congress rule, then Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who was also present, faced interference from then Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.
Kharge said Congress has always stood with the people and would continue to improve their lives through developmental programmes, as it had during earlier administrations.
The meeting was presided over by Puducherry PCC president V Vaithilingam, and among the speakers was S P Sivakumar of the DMK.
