India's first women's political party launched

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) Dismayed with the Government's inaction in addressing women's issues, women from a cross-section of society today announced the formation of United Women Front, the first national political partyto be formed by women.

The party, which has been launched in 12 states, will be headed by social activist Suman Krishna Kant and have activist Shannti Das as its working president.

The part has been registered with the Election Commission and is in the process of acquiring a symbol.

''We are proud to launch the first women's party... the Government has so far ignored the issues of women who constitute 50 per cent of India's population,'' Ms Kant told reporters.

She said all the efforts of various women organisations had ''fallen on deaf ears''.

Ms Kant said the party's national constitution aims at strengthening the dignity of individuals and uniting the country with no division on the basis of colour, caste, creed or religion.

''The UWF will work for the well being and advancement of the people of India by peaceful and constitutional means in a socialist state... based on parliamentary democracy,'' she added.

On whether it will contest the forthcoming Assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, Ms Kant said the decision on the issue was yet to be taken.

UNI