Sonowal Condemns Opposition to Women's Reservation Bill as Attack on Dignity
Union Minister and Dibrugarh MP Sarbananda Sonowal launched a sharp critique against the Congress party and its INDIA bloc allies on Wednesday, accusing them of undermining women's dignity and rights by opposing the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment Bill 2026. Speaking at a press conference held at the district BJP office in Dibrugarh, Sonowal asserted that the BJP-led NDA government remains steadfast in its commitment to implement 33% reservation for women in both Parliament and state legislatures.
"No Compromise" on Women's Rights, Says Sonowal
"Our protest against forces opposing the 33% reservation for women will continue. Through this initiative, we want to clearly state that there will be no compromise when it comes to the rights of women," Sonowal declared emphatically. He characterized the bill as a historic opportunity for all political parties to unite in advancing women's empowerment across India.
Sonowal expressed disappointment that not all parties have responded positively to what he described as a matter of "rightful entitlements for women." He stressed that equal participation of women and men in governance is not just a social imperative but essential for the nation's holistic development and progress.
Highlighting Current Representation Disparities
Citing stark statistics, Sonowal pointed out that women constitute nearly half of India's population yet account for a mere 15 to 16 percent of members in Parliament and state assemblies. "This is clearly unjust," he stated, underscoring the urgent need for legislative correction through the reservation bill.
He questioned why the Congress party failed to enact similar legislation during its extensive tenure in power, contrasting this with the Modi government's proactive approach. Sonowal credited the current administration with prioritizing women's welfare through flagship schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Advocating for Women-Led Development
"We believe in women-led development. Women should not only be beneficiaries but also play a leading role in policymaking and governance," Sonowal affirmed. He emphasized that true empowerment involves moving beyond tokenism to ensure women have substantive influence in shaping national policies.
Warning of Political Consequences
Sonowal issued a stern warning to parties opposing the bill, predicting significant political repercussions. "Political parties opposing women's rights will face a strong response from women across India," he cautioned, suggesting that such resistance could alienate a substantial voter base ahead of future elections.
The press conference in Dibrugarh highlighted the BJP's strategic focus on women's issues as a key electoral and governance priority, positioning the party as a champion of gender equality in contrast to its political rivals.
