MLC Kavitha on hunger strike in Delhi, 5000 supporters to participate

New Delhi: About 5000 supporters will participate in the one-day hunger strike with BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on March 10. With 500-600 people sitting along with Kavitha, women's organisations and 18 political parties across 29 states have confirmed their participation.

A day before the strike, the daughter of Telangana chief minister Kavitha addressed the media, speaking about the strike and demanding the Union government table the Women's Reservation Bill in the Budget session of parliament. Kavitha announced they would go on a hunger strike with the support of 18 political parties on March 10 at 10 am.

"The Women's Reservation Bill is only a mere conversation in our country. After being introduced in 1996, it could never pass; 27 years have gone by and we are still only having a conversation. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to pass the Women's Reservation Bill after coming into power, but he failed", said Kavitha. On behalf of women of the county, Kavitha saluted Sonia Gandhi for her efforts to bring the Women Reservation Bill and get it passed in Rajya Sabha.

"Instead of talking about the Women’s Reservation Bill, everybody chose to consciously highlight the ED visits and that these were shallow attempts by the BJP to divert people’s attention from real issues", said Kavitha speaking about the Delhi Liquor Scam.

On March 8, Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha for questioning in the Delhi Liquor Scam case and was asked to appear before the investigating agency on March 9. "I said I will appear on March 16, but I don't know what hurry they are in, so I agreed to March 11", said Kavitha. She said she would give her 100 percent cooperation with the investigation agency.

"When an agency wants to investigate a woman, she has a fundamental right that it can be done at her home. I requested the same that the investigating agency could come to my place to investigate. If needed, I also asked to bring the accused. But did not accept", she added. Kavitha opined that there should be a facility for women to be investigated through a video conference. She is ready to take this issue to the supreme court if needed.

BJP's modus operandi before elections

During her address, Kavitha said that Telangana is currently on the radar of the BJP as their "Modi se pehle ED" agenda has been unleashed. Sharing a few stats, she said, "From last June, the GOI has constantly been sending its agencies to Telangana. Why? Because Telangana elections are due in November or December?" She mentioned that more than 100 CBI raids, 200 ED raids, over 500 income tax raids, and 500 to 600 people have been questioned under the NIA.

"The investigations by the ED are BJP's modus operandi before elections. Whenever there is an election, the teams of ED begin investigations. It's not just me, at least 15-17 MLAs in Telangana have been targeted by central agencies. Well, we are not persons who fear such investigations. We know how to handle the situation, just like how we fought for separate Telangana", said Kavitha.

"PM Modi should first win the hearts of the people of Telangana and then try to win elections. But not through the backdoor entry. Telangana is all set to go to the polls to elect Assembly leaders in 2023", said Kavitha.

Role of Congress:

Responding to a question about the role of the Congress Party in the opposition, Kavitha said, "The Congress must decide its role for the people and country as a whole. It needs to think beyond its own party in the national interest. CM KCR has taken several efforts to bring together a stronger front for opposition unity, and we will keep trying and ensure that this works for the people of India. The need is to become a team player and work together to defeat the BJP in 2024."