'Who Is Responsible For Illegal Influx In India?' Congress, BJP Trade Blames At Southern Rising Summit: WATCH

Four women leader from Congress, TDP, BJP and DMK came together to address on "Rise of Regionalism: Empowering Federalism".

At the ABP Southern Rising Summit 2024, Congress, BJP, and DMK leaders engaged in a heated debate over border security, federalism, and women’s leadership. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed took aim at the BJP, questioning Home Minister Amit Shah’s role in addressing illegal influx, while BJP’s Madhavi Latha defended Shah’s broad responsibilities. 

On Friday, four women leader, Jyothsna Tirunagari, TDP National Spokesperson, Dr. Shama Mohamed, INC National Spokesperson, BJP's Kompella Madhavi Latha and DMK MP Dr. Kanimozhi Somu, came together to address on "Rise of Regionalism: Empowering Federalism".

Federal Concerns 

At the Southern Rising Summit, Shama Mohamed voiced concerns over the federal system’s fairness, citing Kerala’s neglect during disasters. “Wayanad got nothing from the Centre. During Kerala floods in 2018, the state got nothing. why are BJP ruled states getting extra whereas states like Kerala which has had national disasters not given anything. There federalism is weak," she said, highlighting a perceived disparity in resource distribution.

"During Karnataka election, ‘Kerala story’ was talked about insulting the state. I'm a Muslim married to a Christian and both of us have not converted. I don’t know where that Kerala story comes from,“ she said.

Secondly, both Shama Mohamed and DMK’s Kanimozhi Somu expressed their opposition to the "One Nation, One Election" policy proposed by the central government. Shama emphasised India’s diversity, asserting, “One shoe can’t fit all sizes. Bharat is a mosaic and cannot be reduced to a one language, one election, or one religion.” 

Kanimozhi echoed this, affirming that federalism is vital for India's unity and must be respected.

Next, TDP spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagari took a dig at Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy after he expressed displeasure over the Centre’s interference. “If you can’t get the work done, it’s inefficiency. Other Chief Ministers manage, so why can’t you?” she remarked, over alleged 'differential' fund allocations in the country.

Congress Questions BJP On Border Security

Further, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed raised concerns over ‘Ghus Paithiya’ (Intruder) claim, questioning the Home Ministry’s accountability in addressing illegal influx. “For the last 10 years, we’ve been hearing about Ghus Paithiya’ (intruder). Who is in charge of managing the borders, the Home Ministry? Why don’t you ask Minister Amit Shah why and how these people are coming?” Shama pressed, highlighting the need for accountability.

Responding to her, BJP leader Madhavi Latha defended the Home Minister, saying, “Amit Shah’s role is not to oversee who is traveling between cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad. His responsibilities in the Home Ministry are far more extensive.”

Sanatana Dharma Controversy

Addressing the ongoing controversy over Sanatana Dharma, Kanimozhi Somu defended Tamil Nadu Deputy CM’s statements, claiming they were misinterpreted in North India. “He quoted former CMs' and Periyar remarks about women’s equality and rights, but they were misinterpreted and politicised in North India,” she explained. 

“We are never against God. We are only against certain ideologies that bring injustice to the people,” she added, reiterating the DMK’s commitment to social equality.

However, Madhavi Latha questioned the DMK’s efforts in promoting women’s equality, “How many from the DMK family have come out to give equality to women, prosperity to women?”

 

Women In Politics

Shama also reflected on the challenges women face in politics, sharing a personal experience: “My children often say, ‘You are a mother who is never here.’ It’s tough for women in politics.” She urged for more representation following that the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed, emphasising that women bring transparency and integrity to governance.

Kanimozhi Somu asserted that women are often sidelined. She quipped, “We think tangibly. If women are given the stage, we will take over entirely, leaving no space for others.”

Madhavi Latha, however, took a different approach, “Only women can nurture and bring dynamic leadership to the nation.”

“We often see dynamic women sacrificed to the nation for a good cause. Why has that gene not taken forward,” she asked adding, "Great women leaders need to instil the seed of greatness in their children so that it can be carried forward."