State women's panel slaps notices on political leaders

State Women’s Commission chairperson Manjula Manasa has issued notices to leaders of three major political parties, including the Congress, for allegedly making ‘cheap’ comments on sexual violence against women.

She said the commission would initiate legal action against parties and politicians if such incidents are repeated.

“We have requested political parties not to politicise issues regarding security of women. It is the responsibility of all political parties and civilians to ensure safety of women,” she said.
Reacting to the recent remarks made by BJP leader Tejaswini, Manjula said it was a desperate attempt to create a controversy.

“By making such statements, she hopes there will be some reprieve from her dwindling political career,” she said.

Such comments should be ignored. If she or any other female representative has faced problems from their male counterparts of any political party, they are free to lodge a complaint with the commission, she said.

She said a report has been sought from the DIG (Prisons) on the recent allegations of sexual assault on women inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.

“No female inmate has complained of being sexually harassed during their interaction with the commission, which lasted for more than three hours,” she said.