BJP ‘Nari Shakti’ reaches out to SHGs to garner support for LS polls

Hyderabad: The Telangana BJP is driving the ‘Nari Shakti’ campaign as part of its ‘Gao Chalo’ programme reaching out to women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to garner their support in the ensuing Parliament elections.

According to party sources, the number of active members of its women's wing has not touched even 50,000 mark in the past several years, resulting in a big gap in the outreach. Itts Mahila Morcha is struggling with women's outreach.

The sources said the total number of women voters has increased by the last electoral final lists for the Assembly elections touching almost 50% of the total eligible voters. In majority of 35,356 polling stations in the State, "the number of women voters outnumber men." Firstly women’s outreach and the number of women at the polling booth level shows a gap which the party finds it tough to fill as of now. Against this backdrop, the party has set to drive its outreach via its ‘Nari Shakti’ campaign by meeting SHGs and creating awareness about several initiatives launched by the Modi government for their empowerment and welfare. Addressing the booth committees on Tuesday, State BJP chief G Kishan Reddy asked the party rank and file to garner support of women and to focus on gaining backing of Muslim women in the elections.

Interacting with SHGs in Maheswaram Reddy said the "Congress coming to power at the Centre would be detrimental to welfare of women. It would again confine them to kitchens and relegate them only machines meant to give birth to children."

He said Modi comes from a poor backdrop and is well aware of their woes. Citing the practice of female foeticide in parts of the country, he said Modi has launched the BetiBachao-BetiPadavo initiative to prevent it and eradicate discrimination towards the girl child. Also houses under the PM Awas Yojana were registered in names of women. The Ujwala Yojana protects health of women and the Women's Reservation Bill provides 33% reservations for women by the next State Assembly elections showcases the party’s pro-women agenda to give their due in political power.

Besides, making a Adivasi woman the President, Modi has stood strongly in support of 10 crore Muslim women bringing scrapping of Triple Talq bills, he said.

In addition to Ayushman Bharat Health insurance, Jandhan Yojana, and electrification of remote villages, Reddy said, the Centre is providing a guarantee-free loan of Rs 20 lakh for SHGs with a membership of 10 women. He asked members of SHGs to make use of the scheme and start their own enterprises/businesses for financial independence. ‘The Centre is also providing drone training for SHG members

Responding to complaints raised by women, Reddy said the KCR government had failed to distribute ration cards in the last 10 years. ‘The Congress promised to issue ration cards and houses and pensions on coming to power. However till dat, it has not taken any action. He demanded the government to immediately take up distribution of ration cards. Reddy asked eligible women to take help of local party cadre and approach the nearest MRO to get their names registered for availing the PM KisanSamman and other Central schemes.