Latest news with #NariShakti
India.com
9 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
BJP's ‘Nari Shakti' Rhetoric Faces Leadership Test Within Party
New Delhi: In Indian politics, slogans often do the heavy lifting. 'Nari Shakti', the BJP's rallying cry for women's empowerment, has been a consistent part of its electoral pitch, development agenda, and cultural messaging. From schemes like Ujjwala Yojana to the push for the Women's Reservation Bill, the party has repeatedly projected itself as a champion of women's rights. However, despite years of promoting 'Nari Shakti' as a key electoral plank and cultural identity, the Bharatiya Janata Party today finds itself in an uncomfortable position, lacking a strong, popular pan-India woman face in its top leadership or newly formed cabinet. While the Modi cabinet has seven women ministers, none of them enjoys pan-India popularity like Sushma Swaraj or other former women leaders of the party. This apparent disconnect between rhetoric and representation hasn't gone unnoticed. This gap has raised eyebrows among political observers, and as the 3.0 Modi-led government takes shape, a critical question arises: Where are the women? A cabinet without prominent women "Nari Shakti" is a powerful slogan, but slogans don't substitute for representation. The absence of prominent female leadership highlights how women are still perceived more as support systems than leaders within the party. This is not a new pattern. The BJP fielded around 16% women candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a modest improvement, but still far short of the 33% goal it has publicly endorsed. Despite a strong base of women MPs (31 out of the BJP's 240 in the 18th Lok Sabha) and growing female participation in election campaigns and grassroots politics, few women are elevated to positions of national political visibility or decision-making authority. As per several analysts, parties field women candidates in either safe or hopeless constituencies, rarely in the crucial battleground seats. Women are mobilized during elections, but not groomed for leadership. Experts feel the BJP's Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Act was a mere eyewash, promising 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, but delivering a paltry 31 women MPs in 2024, a stark decline from 42 in 2019. Experts say this is a part of a broader pattern where women are mobilized as voters and campaigners, especially in welfare schemes and outreach initiatives, but are not empowered as political decision-makers. This paradox, between women's increasing political visibility and their absence from actual leadership, has drawn criticism. Political Analyst Sandeep Choudhary said, "Making Droupadi Murmu the President of India, a tribal woman from a humble background, certainly sent a message to the world. But let's not mistake representation for empowerment. Women do not become empowered merely by holding symbolic positions. Real empowerment demands structural change; women must be given real power in legislative assemblies, in ministries, in administrative authority, and in decision-making bodies where their voice is not just present, but heard and acted upon." "Women's participation in politics should not be conditional upon the will or generosity of men. As long as male leaders continue to decide which woman should get a ticket, whose voice should rise, and who should be sidelined, empowerment will remain a distant dream. Women must be allowed to rise through their merit, their strength, and their vision, not based on what role the male leadership assigns them. Until then, this will not be true empowerment, but controlled representation," he further added. "Look at Smriti Irani, she is articulate, bold, and deeply connected to the ground realities. Yet after her defeat, she vanished from political prominence. In contrast, men like Pushkar Singh Dhami and Keshav Prasad Maurya were made Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister despite losing. This inconsistency shows that women are still viewed as exceptions, not equals," Choudhary further highlighted, adding, "Today, the BJP governs many states across India, yet how many women do we see as Chief Ministers? Just one, and that too, a recent appointment of Rekha Gupta in Delhi, after the fall of the AAP government. If women truly matter in politics, why are they missing from the top posts across the country? You cannot talk about Nari Shakti while structurally excluding women from leadership roles." Experts feel that when capable women are ignored, it sends a message to the next generation of women that their rise will always depend on factors beyond competence. "Slogans like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and 'Nari Shaktikaran' are powerful, but they must translate into policies, opportunities, and representation. Until a woman can rise from the Panchayat to Parliament without systemic bias, until her ticket isn't decided by the male high command, and until her defeat isn't treated as final while men are resurrected, true women's empowerment will remain a distant ideal," he concluded. Ground-level mobilization, but no elevation To be fair, the BJP has effectively mobilized women at the grassroots, using self-help groups, local welfare schemes, and women-specific subsidies to cultivate strong female voter bases. In states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, women played a decisive role in the BJP victories. Initiatives like the Ladli Behna Yojana and targeted welfare programs have built immense goodwill among women voters, especially in rural India. BJP has mastered the art of symbolism when it comes to women, but that mobilization has not translated to genuine political inclusion. Women are present on the ground, not in the room where decisions are made. This dissonance, women as voters versus women as leaders, is now becoming too stark to ignore. Reports also say that women's representation is far lower than in many other democracies. The few women who do make it are typically from politically privileged families. Senior Journalist Rahul Lal slammed the BJP, saying, "The BJP's actions suggest that women's empowerment is not a priority for the party, and that the Nari Shakti slogan is merely a publicity gimmick." Making his views stronger, Rahul Lal added, "Women have been marginalized in every matter in terms of representation, and it's not an exaggeration to say that the BJP's Nari Shakti slogan has been a mere facade. The BJP could have given more tickets to women, but they didn't, and as a result, women's representation in the party has taken a hit. The Saffron party's promises of women's empowerment have turned out to be empty promises, with no substance or action to back them up." Regional contrast and missed opportunities Regional parties have offered a different model. In contrast, parties like the TMC, BSP, and even Congress have put women front and center. Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are household names. Meanwhile, the BJP, a party with a national presence and deep organizational machinery, lacks any woman who occupies a similar national leadership space today. What must change Experts feel that for the BJP to credibly claim the mantle of 'Nari Shakti,' it must: Elevate women into the party's highest decision-making bodies, including cabinet committees and national executive posts. Field women candidates in winnable constituencies and train them for long-term leadership roles. Move beyond symbolism, giving women policy authority, not just campaign responsibilities, and promote internal mentorship and leadership pipelines, especially from grassroots to national politics. Time for structural empowerment The BJP's messaging around "Nari Shakti" has undeniably reshaped how women voters see politics, as something accessible and participatory. But turning that participation into real representation requires more than slogans. Until women are given real power, not just portfolios but policy-shaping authority, the gap between narrative and reality will continue to grow. In an era where optics matter, substance matters more. The question is no longer whether the BJP can mobilize women. It's whether it is ready to be led by them.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Nari Shakti by NANDA ignites Dubai with a powerful celebration of Indian culture and womanhood
In a dazzling celebration of Indian culture, classical art, and feminine strength, Nari Shakti – meaning "Power of Women" – took center stage in Dubai, leaving over 1,500 attendees deeply moved. Conceived and executed entirely by women, this landmark event featured more than 100 Indian classical dancers from across the UAE, presenting 15 captivating performances, culminating in the breathtaking Bharatanatyam production Agni Kanye. Masterminded by visionary choreographer and cultural ambassador Guru Iswarya Bharadwaj, founder of NANDA Performing Arts Centre and Gulf Indian Performing Arts & Music Society (GIPAMS), the event showcased the UAE's dedication to nurturing artistic excellence, community spirit, and gender empowerment. The highlight, Agni Kanye, portrayed the life and emotional journey of Draupadi — an iconic symbol of resilience, dignity, and divine strength. The production featured performers ranging in age from 5 to 50, demonstrating intergenerational collaboration and the unifying power of the arts. This grand showcase, supported by Indian People's Forum (IPF) and several local organisations and brands, was a testament to grassroots creativity —complete with handmade props, original costumes, and all-women-led planning and execution. The evening also featured inclusive exhibits from people of determination and women creators. As part of the celebration, the Nari Shakti title was conferred upon three inspiring women: "Nari Shakti is more than a show, it's a movement," said Iswarya Bharadwaj."I envision launching corporate wellness programmes driven by the arts, counselling aspiring artists, and performing for the Rulers of the UAE to honour their inclusive vision and unwavering support for culture and women." Having performed across 500+ global stages, including the UK Parliament and Expo 2020 Dubai, Iswarya's journey from a humble upbringing in the UAE to becoming a celebrated global performer is a reflection of the Emirates' inclusive and aspirational ethos.
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Modi govt invested Rs 44,859 crore in over 3,600 projects for Northeast: Union Minister Sonowal
New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, strongly countered the Congress party's criticism of the Modi government's performance over the past 11 years, asserting that the grand old party has 'forfeited the right to criticise' in the court of the people. Emphasising the transformative progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Minister said the Congress, which neglected the people's aspirations for more than six decades, now stands exposed before a new India that rewards performance and punishes apathy. 'Congress has lost all moral rights. They had destroyed the prospect of the Northeast when they misgoverned the country for more than six decades. The dark days of Congress governments were filled with violence, insurgency, terrorism that dragged our beautiful region into a vortex of deprivation, devastation, discord and division. Peace was a distant dream. This was reversed only with the dynamic leadership of PM Modi, who took decisive steps to transform the region, respect the aspirations of the people, find solutions, usher a new era of peace and brotherhood, and ultimately, transform it as the Growth Engine of new India,' said Sarbananda Sonowal. Addressing a press conference in Shillong, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significant achievements of the PM Modi led government over 11 years and explained how it delivered unprecedented welfare benefits to every section of the society -- uplifting the poor 'Garib Kalyan', empowering the women 'Nari Shakti', transforming agriculture 'Krishak Kalyan' and empowering the youth through skill-based training and employment opportunities through innovative policy action via Start Up India or Digital India campaigns. Sonowal also underlined how more than 2.19 lakh farmers benefited from the Mission Organic Value Chain Development, 434 Farmer Producer Organisations formed, covering 1.73 lakh hectares. Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'Under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi, the Govt is working towards building Viksit Bharat during this Amrit Kala by focusing on 'Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan' (Service, Good Governance and Welfare of the Poor). Over 81 crore people now receive free rations under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, more than 15 crore rural households have access to tap water under 'Har Ghar Jal', and Rs 3.7 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers through PM-KISAN. 'Women's empowerment has seen historic strides--from 33 per cent reservation in legislatures under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to direct benefit transfers for more than 3.9 crore pregnant women, and the historic admission of women into the National Defence Academy (NDA),' he added. Since 2014, the Modi government has brought the Northeast into the mainstream of India's development journey with unprecedented investment and focused attention. The Northeast has emerged transformative, 'Insurgency has declined by 64 per cent since 2014, and AFSPA has been withdrawn from 75 per cent of the region,' added Sonowal. The government has approved over 3,600 projects worth Rs 44,859 crore, built 10 greenfield airports, and expanded connectivity and organic farming through focused missions. 'Under PM Modi's leadership, the Northeast is being repositioned not as a peripheral zone, but as India's vital Gateway to the East, with peace, progress, and prosperity at its core,' Sonowal further said. Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the immense possibilities of the tourism sector in the region. Tourism-led growth has emerged as a key pillar of Meghalaya's development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Sonowal said, 'Shillong is a beautiful city, Meghalaya is a gift of Mother Earth. We must celebrate her with utmost sincerity and ensure sustainable development through harnessing the immense possibilities in the tourism sector. The boom in tourism in the state is a positive sign as Meghalaya has become a destination of choice for most domestic and international tourists visiting India. Meghalaya is a shining example of the success of schemes like Swadesh Darshan.' He said that the Modi Government sanctioned Rs 244 crore to boost Sustainable Tourism, which has created potential in iconic destinations like Umium Lake, Sohpetbneng, Krang Suri Falls, Siju Caves, and Nokrek Reserve, which are being transformed into world-class tourist attractions. 'From waterfall trails to the Meghalayan Age Cave Experience, the focus on sustainable and immersive tourism has revitalised local economies and created livelihood opportunities. Spiritual and heritage sites like Nartiang and Mawphlang villages are also being promoted under niche tourism categories, positioning Meghalaya as a vibrant destination within India's Northeast tourism circuit,' he added. Landmark initiatives such as establishing South Asia's largest cancer care network in Assam reflect the government's commitment to bridging decades of neglect. The recently held Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 further reinforced this vision, securing Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment commitments that promise to unlock the region's economic potential and generate widespread employment. 'For decades under successive Congress Govts, the Northeast remained on the margins, but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the region realised its true potential to become a centre of development, connectivity, and opportunity. The scale of investment and transformation we see today reflects our deep commitment to the people of the Northeast,' said Sonowal. Northeast is undergoing rapid development in connectivity, agriculture, and industry. Operational airports have increased from 9 in 2014 to 19 in 2024. The region is emerging as a hub for organic farming and edible oil production, with 3.3 lakh gatherers and over 19,000 SHGs supported under Van Dhan Vikas Yojana. The bamboo industry has also grown through reclassification and targeted missions. Healthcare and heritage conservation are also priorities. Cultural initiatives include a tribal museum in Manipur and the development of Sivasagar as a heritage site. Speaking on the fiscal aid to Meghalaya, Sonowal said, 'Meghalaya, backed by a 105 percent increase in central grants-in-aid, has seen a substantial scale-up in infrastructure & social welfare. Landmark initiatives include the Rs 22,864 crore Greenfield High-Speed Corridor between Mawlyngkhung and Panchgram, set to drastically improve regional connectivity & logistics. Over 540 km of National Highways have been constructed, and urban mobility projects in New Shillong and Tura are being implemented under PM-DevINE.' Welfare interventions such as post-metric scholarships for over 76,000 SC/ST/OBC students, Rs 2,331 crore disbursed under MUDRA loans, and a threefold increase in National Health Mission (NHM) funding have empowered communities across Meghalaya. These milestones reflect the Modi government's unwavering commitment to inclusive development, economic empowerment, and regional integration of the Northeast. The Union Minister was joined by AL Hek, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Fisheries Department, Printing & Stationery Department, Secretariat Administration Department, Govt of Meghalaya; Rikman G Momin, State President, BJP (Meghalaya), Wankitbok Pohshna, State General Secretary and Convenor, BJP (Meghalaya), and Shanbor Shullai, MLA and Chairman, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). (ANI)
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Modi govt invested Rs 44,859 cr in 3,600+ Northeast projects: Sarbananda Sonowal
Guwahati: The Union Minister of Ports , Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal , strongly countered the Congress party's criticism of the Modi government's performance over the past 11 years, asserting that the grand old party has 'forfeited the right to criticize' in the court of the people. Emphasizing the transformative progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Minister said the Congress, which neglected the aspirations of the people for more than six decades, now stands exposed before a new India that rewards performance and punishes apathy. 'Congress has lost all moral rights. They had destroyed the prospect of Northeast when they misgoverned the country for more than six decades. The dark days of Congress governments were filled with violence, insurgency, terrorism that dragged our beautiful region in to a vortex of deprivation, devastation, discord and division. Peace was a distant dream. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top US Doctors Stunned By New German Hearing Aid That Costs Less Than Dinner Out Top Trending News Today Learn More Undo This was reversed only with the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji who took decisive steps to transform the region, respect the aspirations of the people, find solutions, usher a new era of peace and brotherhood, and ultimately, transform it as the Growth Engine of new India,' said Sarbananda . Sonowal highlighted the major achievements of the Narendra Modi led government over 11 years and explained how it delivered unprecedented welfare benefits to every section of the society — uplifting the poor 'Garib Kalyan', empowering the women 'Nari Shakti', transforming agriculture 'Krishak Kalyan' and empowering the youth through skill based training and employment opportunities through innovative policy action via Start Up India or Digital India campaigns. Live Events Sonowal also underlined how more than 2.19 lakh farmers benefitted from the Mission Organic Value Chain Development, 434 Farmer Producer Organizations formed, covering 1.73 lakh hectares. Sonowal said, 'Under the dynamic leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji, the Govt is working towards building Viksit Bharat during this Amrit Kala by focusing on 'Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan' (Service, Good Governance and Welfare of the Poor). Over 81 crore people now receive free rations under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, more than 15 crore rural households have access to tap water under 'Har Ghar Jal', and Rs 3.7 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers through PM-KISAN. Women's empowerment has seen historic strides—from 33% reservation in legislatures under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to direct benefit transfers for more than 3.9 crore pregnant women, and the historic admission of women into the National Defence Academy (NDA).' Since 2014, the Modi government has brought the Northeast into the mainstream of India's development journey with unprecedented investment and focused attention. The Northeast has emerged transformative with 'Insurgency has declined by 64% since 2014, AFSPA has been withdrawn from 75% of the region', added Sonowal. The government has approved over 3,600 projects worth Rs 44,859 crore, built 10 greenfield airports, and expanded connectivity and organic farming through focused missions. 'Under PM Modi's leadership, the Northeast is being repositioned not as a peripheral zone, but as India's vital Gateway to the East, with peace, progress, and prosperity at its core', Sonowal further said. Sonowal highlighted the immense possibilities of tourism sector in the region. Tourism-led growth has emerged as a key pillar of Meghalaya 's development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Sonowal said, 'Shillong is a beautiful city, Meghalaya is a gift of Mother Earth. We must celebrate her with utmost sincerity and ensure sustainable development through harnessing the immense possibilities in the tourism sector. The boom in tourism in the state is a positive sign as how Meghalaya has become a destination of choice for most domestic as well as international tourists visiting India. Meghalaya is a shining example of success of schemes like Swadesh Darshan. The Modi Govt sanctioned Rs 244 Cr to boost Sustainable Tourism which has created potential in iconic destinations like Umium Lake, Sohpetbneng, Krang Suri Falls, Siju Caves, and Nokrek Reserve are being transformed into world-class tourist attractions. From waterfall trails to the Meghalayan Age Cave Experience, the focus on sustainable and immersive tourism has revitalised local economies and created livelihood opportunities. Spiritual and heritage sites like Nartiang and Mawphlang villages are also being promoted under niche tourism categories, positioning Meghalaya as a vibrant destination within India's Northeast tourism circuit.' Landmark initiatives such as the establishment of South Asia's largest cancer care network in Assam reflect the government's commitment to bridging decades of neglect. The recently held Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 further reinforced this vision, securing Rs 4.3 lakh crore in investment commitments that promise to unlock the region's economic potential and generate widespread employment. Northeast is undergoing rapid development in connectivity, agriculture, and industry. Operational airports have increased from 9 in 2014 to 19 in 2024. The region is emerging as a hub for organic farming and edible oil production, with 3.3 lakh gatherers and over 19,000 SHGs supported under Van Dhan Vikas Yojana. The bamboo industry has also grown through reclassification and targeted missions. Healthcare and heritage conservation are also priorities. Cultural initiatives include a tribal museum in Manipur and the development of Sivasagar as a heritage site. Sonowal said, 'Meghalaya, backed by a 105% increase in central grants-in-aid, has seen a substantial scale-up in infrastructure & social welfare. Landmark initiatives include the Rs 22,864 crore Greenfield High-Speed Corridor between Mawlyngkhung & Panchgram, set to drastically improve regional connectivity & logistics. Over 540 km of National Highways have been constructed, and urban mobility projects in New Shillong and Tura are being implemented under PM-DevINE."
Mint
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
11 years of NDA: PM Modi says India's growth powered by 140 cr people – ‘from economic growth to social upliftment'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on 9 June, that through a clear focus on good governance and transformation powered by the blessings and collective participation of 140 crore Indians, India has witnessed rapid transformations across diverse sectors in last eleven years of NDA rule. India today, Modi said, is not just the fastest-growing major economy, but also a key global voice on pressing issues like climate action and digital innovation. 'Guided by the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', the NDA government has delivered pathbreaking changes with speed, scale and sensitivity,' Modi said in a post on X on 9 June as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance completes completes its 11 years in government at the Centre. Narendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister for the third time on 9 June 2024, With 293 MPs, the NDA comfortably exceeded the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha after the 2024 general elections. 'From economic growth to social upliftment, the focus has been on people-centric, inclusive and all round progress. India today is not just the fastest-growing major economy, but also a key global voice on pressing issues like climate action and digital innovation,' Modi said in the post on X. We are proud of our collective success but at the same time, we look ahead with hope, confidence and a renewed resolve to build a Viksit Bharat, he said. The BJP-led NDA government at the centre released a book highlighting its achievements in empowering women over the last 11 years. The book highlights various key schemes, such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. "Driven by a bold, inclusive, and lifecycle-based approach, the government has launched targeted interventions in health, education, housing, digital access, sanitation, and financial inclusion. 'Nari Shakti' is now a national mission, empowering every woman--urban or rural, young or elderly--to live with dignity, safety, and self-reliance," the book reads. In another post on X, Modi said that in the last 11 years, the focus of every scheme of his government has been to ensure the welfare of the poor brothers and sisters as well as the common man. 'Be it Ujjwala or PM Awas, Ayushman Bharat or Bhartiya Janaushadhi or PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, all these schemes have given new wings to the hopes of the countrymen. During this time, we have made every possible effort to make the lives of the people easier with full devotion and spirit of service,' he said. Key Takeaways The NDA government has emphasized inclusive and people-centric growth strategies. India is positioned as a key global voice on issues like climate action and digital innovation. Women empowerment initiatives have been a significant focus, as seen in various government schemes.
