Congress' women leaders oppose nominating actors to Council

A section of the women Congress leaders are not happy with the reported efforts made by the party to nominate actor Ramya to the Legislative Council. But none of the women politicians want to petition the party leaders in this regard.

Certain women party leaders met at a birthday party in the city where the culture of nominating film personalities to the Legislative Council was discussed, it is said. Those who attended the event include MLC Motamma, former legislators Rani Satish and Bimba Raikar.

So far neither the party leadership or Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not announced that Ramya, a former MP, would be nominated as MLC or she would be made a minister.
However, speculations are rife that she would be brought in as a replacement for Ambareesh. There are three vacant seats in the Council.

Motamma told Deccan Herald, “I fail to understand why film personalities should be given so much prominence in politics. How can Ramya be a replacement for Ambareesh?”
Asked whether the party had plans to nominate Ramya, Motamma said she was not aware of it.

Jayamala is an MLC

“There are many women leaders who have toiled hard for the growth of the party. Why should such people be neglected? Already one film personality Jayamala has been made MLC. In case Ramya is interested in politics, let her be a candidate in the next Lok Sabha elections,” Motamma said.

Rani Satish said she is not opposing any individual as such. But she said the high command should take the contribution of leaders into consideration while making nominations.

“The madam (Sonia Gandhi) had told me once that she goes by the recommendations made by state leaders. I wonder why the contribution of women leaders is not considered while shortlisting the names. Does age criterion apply only to women?” she said.

Energy Minister D K Shivakumar denied reports in a section of media that the party has decided not to nominate former MP Ramya a MLC as demanded by the rebel legislators.  Ramya is interested in national politics. She wants to be in parliament. Reports that she wants to become an MLC is not true, he added.