Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 11: The Udupi District Mahila Congress staged a protest on Thursday, April 11, against the steep hike in the prices of cooking gas and fuel by the Central Government. The protest began at the Udupi District Congress Office and concluded at the Oscar Fernandes Circle in Brahmagiri.
Addressing the protestors, State Mahila Congress President Sowmya Reddy strongly criticised the Central Government for its apathy towards the common people, especially women.
“The Central Government has betrayed women. During the UPA government, the price of cooking gas was around Rs 400 — now it has crossed Rs 1,000. The price was increased by Rs 50 overnight. Petrol and diesel prices have risen by Rs 2. How can women and middle-class families manage their daily lives?” she questioned.
Reddy further added, “Does the BJP’s Jan Aakrosh Yatra in the state have any moral ground? They fooled the people by promising ‘Achhe Din’. Today, they are playing with the emotions of the people in the name of caste and religion.”
Following the protest march, a formal programme was held at the Udupi District Congress Office in Brahmagiri. The event was inaugurated by Sowmya Reddy, who lit the ceremonial lamp.
In her address to the gathering, she said, “It was the Congress party that brought independence to our nation by fighting the British. The Constitution has given us a society where people of all castes and religions can coexist. Women must live with dignity and self-reliance. Our Chief Minister’s guarantees are indeed reaching the people and empowering women. These guarantees were introduced to uplift women and ensure their rightful place in society.”
She continued, “Our party bears a larger responsibility in the state. During BJP protests, they conveniently blame us for issues like gas prices. They promised ‘Achhe Din’, but those days never arrived. Under UPA, essentials were affordable. Today, they misuse public funds through GST and other taxes. The BJP is dividing people in the name of religion and damaging the country’s unity. They never showed real concern for women even when they were in power. They are fooling the people, while the Congress government ensures equality for all. What has the BJP done? We have given five guarantees to the people.”
Former Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake also addressed the event, saying, “Mahatma Gandhi dreamed of a society where women stood equal to men. Yet today, society often restricts women to household roles. The Congress party is the only one that truly empowers women. We believe that with financial, emotional, and physical support, women can illuminate not just their homes but society.”
He added, “When the UPA government assumed office, all Lok Sabha members wanted Sonia Gandhi to be Prime Minister — but she refused. While many fight for even a small post, she chose to serve selflessly. Today, 33% of women participate in Taluk and Zilla Panchayat elections, and 52% in Gram Panchayat polls. Sowmya Reddy is an inspiration for all of us. We are fortunate to have her as the State Mahila Congress President.”
The protest and programme were also attended by Udupi District Congress President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, District Mahila Congress President Geetha Wagle, Udupi Taluk Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee President and Block Congress President Ramesh Kanchan, as well as Congress leaders Prasad Raj Kanchan, Veronica Cornelio, Jyothi Hebbar, and others.