Condemning the statement made by Karnataka State Women’s Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Bai that she does not endorse the entry of women into the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, the Akhila Bharata Janawadi Mahila Sangatane has demanded that she withdraw her statement and apologise to women, or step down from her post. Two days ago, Ms. Bai had said she was “personally against violating religious traditions in the country”. Pointing out that Ms. Bai’s statement is against the Constitutional rights of women, the sangatane, in a press statement, has said, “The women’s commission is a constitutional body and has the responsibility of protecting women’s rights and dignity of life. It is unfortunate that the head of such a responsible organisation is justifying the violation of women’s rights through her statement. This is not just condemnable, but also in violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Being the chairperson, she should have sent out a strong message on gender sensitivity. Instead, she has shown gender bias. She should withdraw her statement and apologise to women, or resign.”
National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma spoke in Hassan saying she had welcomed the Supreme Court ruling and still stands by it.
