Bihar Chief Minister Condemns Opposition Stance on Women's Reservation
In a strongly worded address at the Jan Akrosh Mahila Sammelan organized by the BJP at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary launched a scathing critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. The political confrontation centers on their parties' failure to support the crucial 131st Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha last week, which aimed to implement a landmark 33% reservation for women in both Parliament and state legislative assemblies.
"Opposition Prioritizes Family Over Nation's Women"
CM Choudhary drew a sharp contrast between the opposition's approach and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The opposition leaders want their own daughters and wives to become members of the Lok Sabha, whereas Modi Ji thinks of the women of the entire nation," he declared emphatically. The Chief Minister elaborated that had the Women's Reservation Bill been successfully passed, it would have dramatically transformed political representation in Bihar alone, with the number of women legislators potentially surging from the current 29 to at least 122.
He specifically targeted Rahul Gandhi, alleging the Congress leader desires only his sister to enter Parliament. Similarly, he accused Lalu Prasad Yadav of scheming for his wife to become the Leader of the Opposition and his daughter to secure an MP seat. The Samajwadi Party (SP) also faced criticism for what Choudhary described as promoting women exclusively from the party chief's family circle.
NDA's Commitment and Historical Context
Reaffirming the NDA's dedication, CM Samrat Choudhary stated there would be "absolutely no compromise regarding the dignity and respect of 'Nari Shakti' (women power)." He highlighted the NDA government in Bihar's pioneering move to implement a 50% quota for women in panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies as evidence of their long-standing commitment to women's empowerment.
The Chief Minister provided historical context, noting that in 1977, with India's population at 70 crores, there were 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. "PM Modi sought to increase the number of seats reserved for women by granting 'Nari Shakti' a 33% reservation," he explained. He lamented that the opposition's actions had deprived women of these rightful entitlements.
Political Repercussions and Rally Support
The political fallout from the bill's blockage was a central theme. BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi announced that the NDA would stage protests at all district headquarters to expose what they termed the opposition's anti-women stance. The rally itself saw thousands of women braving the summer heat to attend, demonstrating significant public engagement on the issue.
Several prominent female leaders echoed the Chief Minister's sentiments. Former minister Shreyasi Singh claimed "the INDI Alliance leaders have lost all respect in the eyes of women." JD(U) leader Leshi Singh accused the opposition of snatching away women's rights by failing to pass the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. BJP leader Renu Devi and Rashtriya Lok Morcha MLA Snehlata Kushwaha both emphasized that the opposition's double standards had been thoroughly exposed, with Kushwaha warning that "the women of the country will never forgive the opposition."
HAM(S) MLA Jyoti Devi delivered perhaps the most pointed criticism, stating "the opposition has never harboured the mindset to empower or propel women forward." Targeting the RJD specifically, she questioned their understanding of women's respect, alleging "their very identity is defined by the humiliation of women."
Security and Future Promises
CM Samrat Choudhary issued a stern warning, declaring that anyone attempting to instil insecurity among women in Bihar would be hunted down. He assured the gathered women that the Narendra Modi-led government would enact necessary legislation for their welfare and actively work to ensure they receive justice. The event solidified the NDA's positioning as the sole champion of women's political representation against what they portrayed as a self-serving opposition.
