Brinda Karat calls on women to drive away BJP-RSS, protect Constitution

Senior CPI(M) leader and founding member of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), Brinda Karat, on Sunday urged women’s organisations to intensify their struggle against what she described as the BJP-RSS combine, calling it the biggest threat to the country, particularly to women.

Addressing a public meeting at Bus Bhavan Grounds here, Ms. Karat slammed the Union government for the VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, and called for a sustained nationwide movement to restore MGNREGA, stressing its role in providing livelihood security to crores of rural poor, especially women.

Accusing the BJP and RSS of never having accepted the Indian Constitution, Ms. Karat claimed that their ideological goal was to impose the Manusmriti, which she said institutionalises discrimination against women. Referring to the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, she remarked that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi would salute the national flag at India Gate, his salute was not to the Constitution but to the RSS ideology.

Ms. Karat also underlined the need to continue resisting what she termed imperialist, capitalist and Manuvadi forces that perpetuate injustice and discrimination against women. Citing instances of communalised sexual violence, she expressed particular concern over attacks on Muslim, Christian, Dalit and Adivasi women. She praised the Kerala government for its pro-women initiatives and social welfare measures, describing the State as a model for women’s empowerment.

AIDWA national president P.K. Sreemathi called upon AIDWA activists to remember Mallu Swarajyam, who united the people against the Nizam’s tyranny and led revolutionary struggles, and to draw renewed inspiration from her. She announced that they would discuss the problems and challenges faced by women in the country, along with other social issues. AIDWA National Conference committee chairperson Shanta Sinha, renowned actress M. Rohini, AIDWA General Secretary Mariam Dhawale, and others addressed the inaugural session. The four-day conference has brought together around 850 delegates and observers from 26 States.