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Janata Dal (Secular) national president and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Saturday called for greater participation of women candidates from the party in the upcoming GBA elections, following the finalisation of the reservation list.

Speaking at a Women’s Day programme organised by the JDS women’s wing at Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Bhavan in the city, he said the party would first assess in how many of the 369 wards it has the strength to contest. Based on that, the party would decide how many seats could be allotted to women candidates.

“If more women contest, the purpose of women’s reservation will be meaningful,” he said.

JDS leader H.D. Kumaraswamy said that with 50% reservation for women announced in the GBA, around 170–180 women candidates would need to contest the elections.

He said the party must empower women and create greater awareness among them, urging party workers to begin preparations for the elections immediately.

“The GBA elections may be announced anytime. Women workers must be ready. Bengaluru is facing a shortage of basic infrastructure and the people of the city should know who is responsible for this situation,” he said.

Kumaraswamy added that women leaders in the party should actively work at the grassroots level and assured them of full support from the party leadership.

Former MLA Anita Kumaraswamy said government guarantee schemes may provide temporary relief but cannot help people build a sustainable future.

She said the JDS had made significant contributions towards women’s empowerment, recalling that Deve Gowda had taken the initiative to introduce 33% reservation for women.

She also said Kumaraswamy had banned lotteries and liquor during his tenure, which helped protect many families.

Referring to the previous Assembly elections, she said the party had promised the Pancharatna scheme, which included free healthcare and free education. However, she alleged that many women were influenced by the ₹2,000 financial assistance and failed to recognise the long-term benefits of the Pancharatna programme.