Kozhikode: Annie Raja, general secretary of National Federation of Indian Women, lauded Rightist parties including the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for fielding relatively more number of women candidates when compared to other political parties in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.   

Annie Raja issued the statement while addressing a gathering in Kozhikode, as part of a programme organised for commemorating the martyrdom of Emily Davison, an English suffragette, who fought for votes for women in Britain in the early 20th century. 

“The seats set aside for women by the Left front in Kerala is a reflection of the success of Pen Memorial,” said Annie Raja. The memorial is a petition signed by one lakh women in the state, from all walks of life, demanding proportionate representation for women in the law making bodies. 

Annie, who is also a veteran CPI leader, noted that women in India now enjoy a strong presence at the helm of a number of political parties in the country. The meeting was presided by professor Kusumam Joseph. 

Meanwhile, Annie Raja also told media in Kozhikode that Rahul Gandhi, her rival candidate in Wayanad in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, “had actually betrayed people of the hill district by opting to serve in Rae Bareli.” She termed Rahul’s double candidacy unethical.