Lok Sabha Polls 2014: BJP paying only lip service to women, says Rahul Gandhi

NAGAON ( ASSAM): Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today accused BJP of paying "only lip service to women" and said its posters carried the picture of Narendra Modi even while speaking of strengthening women.

"BJP talks about strengthening women. I have seen their posters in Delhi talking about it but there is a photo of one man only... There is no photo of Sushmaji or other BJP women leaders... Only of one man," he told a poll rally here.

Continuing his criticism, Gandhi said, "BJP workers go to Mangalore and women are beaten up. In Madhya Pradesh a minister in the assembly says 20,000 women are missing. It is strange that the government does not have a clue where these women have disappeared.

In Gujarat the entire police force and Intelligence are busy with phone tapping activities and chasing women."

Gandhi said if Congress returned to power this time, the first thing that would be done by them would be to pass the Women's Bill guaranteeing 33 per cent reservation for women in assembly and Parliament. "The Bill has been stalled by the opposition for a long time in Parliament."

The Congress if voted to power would also open 2,000 women police stations across the country for safety and security of women, besides introducing 25 per cent reservation for them in the police force.

Bank loans would also be provided to women to start their own business.

Referring to Assam, he said its biggest strength was its women. "You (Assam) respect your women, that is why Assam progresses. Women here run their homes, state and office. The future of Assam is bright."