All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Apsara Reddy has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had failed to keep up his promise of getting Women Reservation Bill passed in the Parliament though he is completing five year term in the office.
“Just speaking about women empowerment is not sufficient, it should be practically implemented so that women gets voice to raise in the Parliament and Assemblies,” the first transgender to be appointed as AICC National General Secretary said.
Talking to UNI Kannada Service here, she said that passing of the Women Reservation Bill would have ensured 33 per cent reservation for fair sex in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. “But the Bill is still in the cold storage despite BJP making a promise before 2014 General election to get it passed,” she added.
Reddy said “by appointing me, a transgender, to the top post, AICC President Rahul Gandhi has proved that Congress is true to its saying protection and empowerment of women should be the top priority.
I don’t think that I was appointed to the post to get political mileage, but to send a message that top posts in his party is open for all and not restricted. Anybody, be it a Woman, a transgender or belonging to minority section, can be appointed depending on their capability to serve the society. It also sends a message that everybody should been equally in the Society”.
Reddy was a Journalist, a Social Worker and was AIADMK National Spokesperson. She was with BJP before joining Congress.
She said that number of transgender in the country was more but most of them don’t have Vote ID cards. They should be encouraged to enter politics and lead a meaningful life.
Referring to entry of Priyanka Gandhi into politics, she said that “her entry and appointment as AICC General Secretary has given a boost to womenfolk to work hard for the party’s success in the General election. High Command will decide about from where she will contest for the LS election. Her entry into politics is really encouraging womenfolk in the party and those women who want to enter politics.”
