Jammu, Apr 11 (UNI) Assuring empowerment of women in Jammu and Kashmir, president of All India Mahila Congress and MP Prabha Thakur today said stress would be laid in giving more ''mandate'' to the women candidates in the coming assembly election.

Briefing mediapersons on the eve of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's visit here tomorrow, Dr Prabha said, ''in the coming election, the party high commands may prefer to give more ''mandate'' to the women fraternity in the state to strengthen them.'' ''Congress always supported 33 per cent reservation to women in the country but the bill is yet to be passed in the Parliament as Bhartiya Janata Party is not in favour of it,'' she said.

She said Ms Gandhi would visit the winter capital to address a day-long women convention to kick start the election campaign in the state.

''Women from various blocks, districts and far flung areas of the state are enthusiastic in attending the convention and we are expecting a mass gathering at the venue,'' Dr Prabha said.

Moreover, she said an appeal would also be made to Ms Gandhi regarding inflation as it was an issue related to the female section of the society.

UNI VBH GL AS1954