In a fiery address in Guwahati, Neelima Devi, head of Assam BJP Mahila Morcha and contender for Mangaldai seat, rallied support for the landmark Women’s Reservation Bill on Monday. She squarely blamed Congress for sabotaging women’s path to political strength.
‘PM Modi’s 33% quota proposal in legislatures is revolutionary,’ Devi told the media, contrasting it with Congress’s boycott tactics tied to delimitation concerns. This opposition, she charged, spits in the face of women’s constitutional rights and their drive for decision-making roles.
The BJP leader praised Modi’s ‘genuine dedication’ to empowerment, slamming detractors as obstacles to progress. Her organization countered with a high-profile candle march, where throngs of women voiced their dissent against suppression of their rights.
Devi outlined plans to amplify pro-bill drives across Assam, culminating in a massive April 28 event expecting 1,000 participants. ‘Women across India are awakening to demand fair representation,’ she noted.
Background: Parliament’s April 16 special session saw the government advance the bill for one-third women’s seats in national and state houses. Long-discussed but repeatedly stalled, it promises to reshape representation. The Centre calls it historic reform; foes demand tweaks for OBC/minority sub-quotas and clearer rollout.
Congress and allies’ stiff resistance created impasse. As Assam gears up for polls, Devi’s call signals BJP’s aggressive stance, positioning the bill as a litmus test for parties’ commitment to nari shakti.
