AAP candidate Swati Maliwal shows victory sign after elected unopposed as RS MP
As Swati Maliwal emerges as the latest AAP Rajya Sabha MP amid Opposition leaders’ allegations of a “witch hunt” against them, the former DCW chief revealed that her family is scared over her foray into active politics, but she asserted that she isn’t scared to question the Government or go to the jail for it.
In an interview at her residence, Maliwal, set to take oath as MP on January 31 , mentioned that the moment when formally assumes office will be the “most profound” and “important” occasion of her life.
A day earlier to taking oath, she said that she is very excited. As a first-time MP, she a huge responsibility and feels that she has always been an activist, and will continue to remain one. That she will raise grassroots issues and looks forward to it.
Maliwal added that she is proud of what she has accomplished so far, from her beginnings as the youngest core committee member of the ‘India Against Corruption’ movement, to becoming the chief of the Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) and now a Rajya Sabha MP.
She furthet added that her journey makes her feel that there is a God and she has always been protected.
The actress stressed that she had never thought that she would reach the Rajya Sabha.
It wasn’t not her aim or ambition,” but revealed that she it will be the most profound and important moment of her life. After that every waking moment of her life will be dedicated to the service of this nation.
Maliwal further revealed that s since she has been an activist, she will continue to raise the issue of women’s safety and their participation in the workforce as an MP.
Her first question is why 51 FIRs are registered every hour over crimes against women. An eight-month-old girl is raped in Delhi and even an 85-year-old woman,” adding that punishments for such acts should be done systematically.
Adding further she questioned Brij Bhushan still in Parliament? Why were Bilkis Bano’s rapists freed?… Why do women form only 23 per cent of the workforce? Raising these questions will be my priority.
Maliwal also added that she will also raise questions on unemployment and price rise in Parliament.
The budget session of Parliament will commence on Wednesday and end on February 9. It will be a short session this time, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to table the Interim Budget ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The new government will present a full-fledged budget.
On her expectations from this year’s Budget, Ms. Maliwal said she hoped that it would have something for women, farmers, labourers.
Even though women comprise 50 per cent of the population, the “gender budget” is five per cent of the budget, she said. “Why these oft-repeated Beti Bachao Beti Padhao slogans?” she asked.
Maliwal said the resources of the Police have to be increased and asked why only 11.75 per cent of women are part of the Delhi Police. “With such low numbers, how will gender sensitivity come?” she asked.
She said she would also call for forensic science laboratories to be set up in every State and a fast-track court in every district.
Maliwal’s tenure as the MP has come at a time amid opposition leaders’ allegations that they are not allowed to raise issues in Parliament. “I feel that Parliament is the most sacred place in a democracy and every MP has a responsibility to hold the Government accountable. In the last Parliament session, 146 MPs were suspended. Who will ask questions?
Suspended MPs to return as last session of 17th Lok Sabha commences on January 31
Asserting that the country’s democracy was in danger.
She said that she is going to Parliament as a representative of women. She feels that if a woman takes a resolve she can bring far-reaching changes. He ùp am not going to Parliament alone. In a way, every woman is reaching Parliament through me. She appeals to women to guide her
Notedly The Aam Aadmi Party has alleged that the party’s leaders are facing a “witch hunt” for raising their voices against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Maliwal also stated her family is “quite worried” about the current scenario. She understands their concerns.
She is the youngest women’s panel commissioner. Be had had criminal cases against me and I have been fighting them 99 the courts.
Meanwhile she said that she has got a chance to serve people and will do it with utmost honesty. She is not scared. At the most, they will put her in jail and she us and not scared of dying or threats.
She will continue fighting till she dies.
News Edit K.V.Raman
