Mangalore, Oct 30, 2012 : Media persons rescued two women, who were made to stand carrying a sheaf of paddy on their heads from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the recently held JD(S) district convention in Town Hall, Mangalore.

Though scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., the convention began at 11:30 a.m. because JD(S) Chief H. D. Kumaraswamy was one hour late. The two ladies, who had been waiting to welcome him at the entrance from 1:00 a.m., entered the hall with them. Once the program began, the ladies were made to stand carrying their sheaves of paddy in front of the crowd for over 2 hours.

When a media person requested JD(S) workers to ask the ladies to sit down, he refused stating that it was the seniors’ order that they had to stand carrying the sheaves of paddy. However, media persons insisted and finally the ladies were asked to take a seat among the audience.

A few in the audience felt that strong male JD(S) could have been made to stand for hours carrying sheaves of paddy on their heads instead of insulting poor female farmers in this manner.