Rahul Gandhi urges Modi to support women's reservation bill
New Delhi, July 16 : Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek his support for the passage of the Womens Reservation Bill in Parliament's monsoon session, claiming that the BJP appears to have had second thoughts on the proposed law even though it was a key promise in its 2014 manifesto.
The Congress leader said that the bill -- passed by the Rajya Sabha in March 2010 -- has been stalled on one pretext or the other in the Lok Sabha for over eight years now.
Gandhi said that the bill holds the potential to transform the country's governance and any further delay will make it impossible to implement it before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
"I write to request (for) your support to ensure the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the coming monsoon session," he said. The monsoon session is slated to begin on July 18 and will continue till August 10.
"Given the fact that the BJP and its allies have a majority in the Lok Sabha, all this landmark (proposed) legislation requires to become a reality is your support. I am sure it will not be withheld," Gandhi said.
The bill seeks to reserve one third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and the state Assemblies for women.
Gandhi said that when the bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with BJP support, then Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley called it "historic and momentous".'
"Since then, while the Congress has been unwavering in its commitment to the bill, the BJP appears to have had second thoughts even though it was one of the party's key promises in the 2014 manifesto," Gandhi said.
The Congress chief said that Modi should point out to BJP sceptics opposed to its passage that the experience with governance at the panchayat and municipal levels has shown that women in leadership positions are more likely to take decisions that further the cause of an inclusive and just society.
Gandhi said that Modi had spoken about his passion for empowering women in many of his rallies in the past.
"What better way to demonstrate your commitment to the cause of women than by offering your unconditional support to the passage of the bill? And what better time than the coming session of Parliament? Any further delay will make it impossible to implement it before the next general elections," Gandhi said.
He said that the Congress had collected 3.2 million signatures in support of the bill.
"We submit these signatures to your care and humbly seek your support in ensuring that the bill is passed by Parliament so that women can participate more meaningfully in the next Lok Sabha polls and the state elections later this year."
The Congress leader called for a bipartisan approach on the issue of empowering women.
"Let us stand together, rise above party politics and send India a message that we believe that the time for change has come. Women must take their rightful place in our state legislatures and Parliament where they are at present abysmally represented," Gandhi said.
Our PM says he’s a crusader for women’s empowerment? Time for him to rise above party politics, walk-his-talk & have the Women’s Reservation Bill passed by Parliament. The Congress offers him its unconditional support.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 16, 2018
Attached is my letter to the PM. #MahilaAakrosh pic.twitter.com/IretXFFvvK
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Adequate LPG stock in Chhattisgarh, no need to panic, says CM Sai
Raipur (PTI): Amid reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinder in several parts of the country due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday assured people that they need not worry about the availability of cooking gas in the state.
He asserted that adequate stock of LPG as well as petrol and diesel was available in the state.
Sai said in a statement that authorities have been directed to regularly monitor stock at gas agencies and keep a close watch on the supply chain. Necessary instructions were issued to officials in all districts to ensure a smooth supply of LPG.
The chief minister instructed officials to take strict action if any complaint of black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders is received.
Sai urged state residents not to pay attention to rumours and to book cooking gas cylinders as per their actual requirement.
The government was fully alert to ensure the availability of essential commodities to citizens, he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Hotel and Restaurant Association has issued an advisory to hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food businesses across the state, urging them to maintain calm and avoid panic buying.
In the advisory, Taranjeet Singh Hora, president of the association, asked members to maintain coordination and immediately inform it about any major disruption in LPG supply.
He cautioned businesses against hoarding cylinders, saying such practices could worsen the situation for the entire hospitality sector.
The association advised hotels and restaurants to prioritise essential kitchen operations, core menu items and already committed banquet events.
Use electric cooking equipment wherever possible for emergency and staff kitchens such as induction cooktops, electric hot plates, electric rice cookers and kettles, the advisory stated.
