New Delhi, March 17: Congress may have pipped BJP in taking credit for passage of Women’s Reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha but Nitin Gadkari sent across a strong message today by appointing women to nearly 33 per cent of organisation posts. The BJP president’s team of 40 office-bearers, including vice-presidents, general secretaries, secretaries and spokespersons, has 12 women leaders.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje may be the only woman in the list of 10 general secretaries but she has the potential to outshine the rest. She is likely to play a significant role in handling states where the party is facing crises.
There are as many as five women vice-presidents in the list of 12 with two seats still vacant. Sources said these two may also go to women.
Former Rajya Sabha Vice-Chairperson Najma Heptullah has been retained as vice-president. Bijoya Chakravarti, a proactive leader from Assam, is likely to play an important role.
Kiran Ghai, an old party hand from Patna who is from the L K Advani camp, is also said to be a good choice. Actor-turned politician Hema Malini, still a big crowd puller in several states, is also a vice-president along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee”s niece Karuna Shukla.
Other than Malini, BJP has zeroed in on women who score high on glamour and delivery.
–PTI–