Slug: Delimitation Bill Dispute
SHIVAMOGGA
Former minister Kimmane Ratnakar said he is ready to openly discuss ideological issues with the Bharatiya Janata Party, including the women’s reservation matter.
Addressing a press conference, he challenged MP B. Y. Raghavendra and MLAs Araga Jnanendra, B. Y. Vijayendra, and S. N. Channabasappa to come forward and answer his questions.
Ratnakar alleged that the BJP does not truly respect women and has introduced the women’s reservation bill for political gain. He criticised the linking of the bill with constituency delimitation, saying both issues should be handled separately.
He questioned how a single vote could decide two different bills and called the move confusing and unfair. He also asked why the bill was introduced in a hurry instead of waiting until after upcoming state elections.
Ratnakar further condemned remarks made by BJP leaders against AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, saying his statements were related to ideology, not individuals.
Raising concerns about caste discrimination, he questioned how long Dalits would continue to face inequality within society.
Several Congress leaders, including R. Prasannakumar, Kalagodu Ratnakar, Ramesh Hegde, Kesturu Manjunath, and Amarnath Shetty, were present at the press meet and supported his statements.
