There should be representation of women in the administration and financial management of religious institutions, social activist Teesta Setalvad has said.
She was addressing the ‘Renaissance Meet’ organised by the Janadhipatya Samrakshana Vedi here on Saturday.
“There have been efforts to torpedo equality and dignity for women promised by the Constitution. Brahminical supremacy is trying to implement values of Manusmriti.
“Women should have rights not only to pray but also for the administration of religious firms.”
The Centre has tried to dethrone the Kerala government by creating communal violence, she said. “India saluted the courage of the people of Kerala with which they survived the floods. But the country condemned the barbaric activity unleashed by some people at Sabarimala in the name of protection of rituals,” she added.
Democracy in the country was under the control of some television channels, which were controlled by the Union government, some big mobile companies and a few rich mine owners, said Ms. Setalvad.
Crucial polls
“The coming Lok Sabha election is very crucial for the country and we should be careful not to repeat 2014,” she said.
Ms. Setalvad called upon progressive thinkers and activists to work together with democratic outfits to dethrone the Narendra Modi-led government.
“We should have a clear agenda on who should govern the country for the next term and should start united campaigning. A wider socio-political alliance should be formed against fascist forces.”
She lauded Bindu and Kanakadurga, the two women who entered Sabarimala amid protests.