Chikkamagaluru : Karnataka Mahila Congress President Lakshmi Hebbalkar said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be urged to include women ministers in his Cabinet.

Addressing mediapersons in the city on Sunday, she said a discussion will also be held with the party president Sonia Gandhi about providing chance to more women in the state Cabinet.

She said, “Women are being ignored in all parties. The talent, capability and intelligence of women too should be considered. Mahila Congress leaders are on a tour in the state to strengthen the unity among the women members keeping in mind the Legislative Assembly election.The team has visited nine districts and the tour will be completed in one-and-a-half months.”

Hebbalkar said BJP was successful in getting power at the centre as youths believed in the false promises made by Narendra Modi. The prime minister did not create employment opportunities; he failed to bring the black money deposited in foreign banks back to India and did not stop foreign direct investment, did not cancel Aadhaar cards and was not able to control the rising prices, she added.

Hebbalkar said that the programmes of the earlier UPA-led government are being continued in different names. The development of the country is not visible. Women will be made aware of the dual stand by the central government. The true face of both the BJP and JD(S) will be revealed, she claimed.

She said the district was one the strongholds of the Congress party. But, now the situation is totally changed. The party will be more strengthened so that it becomes the strong fort of the party again, she said.

To a query on differences within the party, she said the differences of opinion are common in any party. The differences will be sorted out soon, she said and added that the Congress-led state government will complete its tenure of five years.

Addressing the convention of the office-bearers of the wing at the District Congress Committee office, Hebbalkar said the aim of the members should not be attaining power and position, but should be to work sincerely towards the progress of the party. The members should act as a link between the government schemes and people, she added.

Hebbalkar criticised that there is a need to make country free from corruption, hunger and poverty, rather than to make it Congress-free.

DCC president Dr D L Vijayakumar said the women’s unit in the district has been working well in all 12 blocks.

Malnad Regional Development Board President B C Geetha demanded priority for women during election.

AICC General Secretary Akula Lalitha Raghavendra, District Congress Womens’ President Vanamala, leaders Sharada, Nayana, Pushpa, Kerthi, Indira, Kamalamma, Nagina Banu, Suma, Radha and others were present on the occasion.