For a change, JD(S) Supremo H D Deve Gowda, on Saturday, was on the defensive. Women JD(S) members openly took a dig at him for neglecting them during 40 months of the party’s being in power in the State.

“The JD(S) has become male-dominated. Women have no importance. Now it’s being the election time, you have remembered us,” members of the party’s women’s wing said in the presence of Deve Gowda at a meeting held in Bangalore.

They did not end at this. “The party leaders speak at length about empowering women. But what happened in 40 months?. We are not in a position to ask women workers to work now,” presidents of the party district unit stated. Party state president Merajuddin Patel immediately intervened and assured them that he will provide them justice if the party comes to power.

Vehicles to women
He also promised to provide vehicles to women to canvas in the elections. Gowda, on this part, too assured that women members will be recognised in coming days.

Meanwhile, Deve Gowda said that the party is ready to give a befitting reply to the BJP that has been alleging that the JD(S) has betrayed it.

“If BJP leaders think they can replicate Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh in the State, they are wrong...I will prove them wrong,” Mr Gowda thundered.