Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 30: Karnataka State Campaign Committee coordinator Kripa Alva raised concern over the alleged misuse of the “Nari Shakti” narrative for political purposes, she accused the central government of delaying genuine women empowerment measures while pushing controversial legislative changes.
Addressing the media during the press conference held at Udupi press club on April 30, Kripa Alva asserted that political manipulation in the name of women’s empowerment must stop. While the government speaks about 'Nari Shakti', they alleged that attempts are being made to introduce two 'dangerous' legislations through the backdoor — the Delimitation Bill, 2026 and the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill, 2026. “This is not women empowerment. It is a political conspiracy to redraw constituencies for electoral advantage,” she said, questioning the use of outdated 2011 Census data to determine the country’s future.
Kripa Alva further criticized the lack of transparency and consultation, asking whether any discussions were held with state governments, chief ministers, or the public before moving forward with such decisions. Raising direct questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she asked why the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023 has not been implemented even after 30 months. “If there was genuine commitment, why delay it until 2026 after calling it historic?” they questioned. They also referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s earlier remarks describing the move as a “historic step,” and asked what tangible benefits women have received so far.
Highlighting ground realities, they pointed out multiple issues faced by women across the country, including violence against women in Manipur, rising cost of living, increasing LPG prices, protests by ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and deletion of women’s names from voter lists. “Is this empowerment or neglect?” they asked.
They also questioned why women’s reservation has been linked to delimitation, alleging that it could be aimed at reducing representation of southern states for political gain. They claimed that over 60 women’s organizations across the country have opposed this move. Calling it a threat to democratic values, they demanded immediate implementation of women’s reservation without any conditions or linkage to delimitation. “The country does not belong to any one party; it belongs to the people. Women’s rights must not be subjected to political calculations,” they stated.
Environment and Tourism Development Corporation president Charlotte Pinto, KPCC spokesperson Veronica Cornelio, Brahmavar Taluk Guarantee Committee president Dr Sunita Shetty, District Women’s Congress president Jyothi Hebbar, Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organization state co-coordinator Roshni Oliver, and Karnataka State Women’s Congress general secretary Anita D’Souza, were present during the press conference.