BJP is always supportive to women: Maya Naroliya

By Bhavana ‘Aparajita’

Shukla

In view of the upcoming elections, both Congress and BJP are trying hard to woo women voters in the state. Government has played master stroke through schemes like Ladli Bahna. On other side, Opposition Pradesh Congress also announced schemes for women. ‘The Hitavada’s’ Senior Special Correspondent has spoke to Maya Naroliya, the President of Pradesh BJP Mahila Morcha.

Q: After passing almost three years, your Government in the State came up with the Ladli Bahna Scheme in the election year. How would you like to respond to the opposition’s allegation that women centric schemes are nothing more than vote bank politics?

A: I outrightly refuse such an allegation. Bharatiya Janata Party has always been supportive to women. Whether there is a question of economic support or social back up, the party has acted promptly and constantly. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP’s ideology and women issues are being taken as prime priority. It will be an ongoing scheme. It is false to say that it will be stopped after sometime.

Q: So do you agree that in the last 18 years, there was not enough done for the uplift of fair sex? That’s why the Government has to increase the number of schemes for women.

A: There is a need for constant efforts. Which the party has been doing. Through Ladli Bahna, the Government’s aim is to reduce the financial dependence of women on others. If she needs medical treatment for her children, she won't need to look to others for help. Our Sisters who doesn’t come in the tax payer’s bracket have now been able to fulfill her and her children's basic or emergency needs through this money. It is Shivraj Singh Chouhan government only who has implemented 50 per cent reservation for women in local body elections.

Q: You talk about the Government’s several initiatives for women welfare. But a National Crime Bureau report suggests that crime against women in the State is high. It has increased in the last few years. What has the government missed to address women issues, especially crime related?

A: Under the BJP-ruled government in the State, women have become more aware. They understood that there is a Government to take care of their grievances and without any hesitation and fear; they have started to come out of their phobia. As a result, more and more victims are approaching police stations or to the authorities to speak about their plight. Cases are being registered. This is reflected in data. Shivraj Singh Chouhan has set up Mahila Police stations in every district.

Contrary to earlier, when atrocities were prevailing but women either could not come out to speak or their pleas remained unheard. Question of registration of crime was far away.

Q: When the question of women reservations especially in politics comes up, it seems that there is consensus among male leaders of all political parties. How do you see, representation of women in our whether at Central or State are still not in proportion to half of the population?

A: Being the President of Mahila Morcha, I would like to say to our sisters that whatever responsibility is being given to us must be delivered with full honesty and authenticity. We won’t be dependent on others, we won’t need reservation. Through our work , we should win people’s hearts.

Q: One last and direct question, will you contest the election?

A: If the organisation gives us a chance, I will definitely contest. Our organisation will also give an opportunity to a maximum number of women candidates in this elections.