COIMBATORE: We The Leaders founder K Annamalai on Thursday called for greater political representation for women, noting that despite accounting for 51 per cent of voters nationwide, women remained underrepresented in political decision-making and legislative bodies, at below 10 per cent.

Addressing a women’s empowerment conference in Krishnagiri, Annamalai stressed the need to strengthen women’s participation in politics and decision-making.

Criticising governments for spending heavily on publicity campaigns, photo opportunities and inauguration ceremonies, he said people needed sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities rather than welfare schemes that offered no lasting benefits.

Taking a dig at the Congress for questioning electoral rolls months after an election, Annamalai said the party failed to do adequate fieldwork during the revision process. He also called for legal action against those using foreign funds to foment unrest and said cases involving students associated with the CJP should be handled in accordance with due process.

Claiming no association with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, Annamalai said he had spoken out against the previous DMK government for its actions against the TVK ahead of the elections.

At the conference, he launched the Thaaragai Women’s Self-Help Group initiative and disbursed loans totalling Rs 1.48 crore to eight groups through public and private sector banks.