Without reservation, women can't win polls: Rayareddy

Former minister and senior Congress leader Basavaraj Rayareddy claimed that a woman candidate cannot win an election without reservation.

Speaking to media persons after releasing party manifesto here on Friday, Rayareddy said India is a patriarchal society and party workers may not work for the victory of a woman candidate. This is the reason why the Congress party in its manifesto has assured that it will introduce 33% of reservation for women at both assembly and parliament if the party comes to power.

He conceded that Congress party could have given more tickets to women in the ensuing elections. Congress has given only ticket to woman candidate (Veena Kashappanavar from Bagalkot) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Lingayat issue

Rayareddy, who was one of the forefront leader demanding minority status for a separate Lingayat religion, made a ‘U-turn’, by stating that if Congress party comes to power they will hold consultation with religious leaders of both Veerashiva and Lingayat communities and come to an amicable conclusion.

“What is wrong in giving minority status to the Lingayat community. There are differences of opinion within the community, and by holding a meeting with religious leaders the issue will be resolved,” he said. He, however, did not answer in affirmative if the resolution sent to the Union government by Siddaramaiah government will be accepted by the Congress if it comes to power. Congress has been charging that NDA government at centre has been denying minority status to Lingayat.

He also said that Congress wish to remove sedition Law keeping in mind the security of the nation and to ensure that no innocent person is harassed by the government. “People raising pro-Pakistan slogans are not innocent people,” he said.