Chandigarh: High drama marked a special session of the Haryana assembly on Monday as Congress MLAs boycotted proceedings over the Nari Vandan amendment and held a 'parallel session' in the assembly complex's parking, drawing a sharp response from the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government.
Resolution on Women's Reservation Passed
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini moved a resolution advocating 33% reservation for women in state assemblies, in line with Parliament provisions. It was passed by voice vote, with the government linking it to the broader 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. The standoff began after the treasury benches took up the resolution. Congress alleged rules were violated as agenda items were not shared and termed the move politically motivated.
Opposition's Parallel Session
Leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with over 30 MLAs, staged a parallel sitting outside, calling the session unconstitutional and refusing TA/DA. He said women's reservation fell under the Centre's jurisdiction and accused the government of using the issue for political gain.
Government's Response
Inside the house, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini termed the boycott a 'black day' for democracy and accused Congress of disrespecting the assembly by holding a 'duplicate session' outside. Rejecting opposition claims, Saini said the session was fully constitutional, convened with cabinet approval and the governor's consent. He also dismissed objections over the Model Code of Conduct, calling it a legislative matter.
Saini said the resolution on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was aimed at women's empowerment and carried no 'condemnation' element. He added efforts were being made to ensure 33% reservation for women ahead of the 2029 general elections by delinking it from the Census condition. The CM also said an adjournment motion raised by the opposition was accepted, but its members did not participate in the house.
He accused Congress of avoiding debate and said all bill-related information was available on the NeVA portal. Saini urged political parties to support women's empowerment initiatives and said the government was committed to ensuring women's participation across sectors. Congress, however, maintained it supports reservation but opposed the timing and intent of the move.
Women Panel Formed
The house approved a government resolution to constitute a 9-member Special Committee on Women Empowerment, including five women members and a chairperson. The panel will function for one year.
CM Seeks Condemnation of Congress
Saini said the Opposition's boycott should be formally condemned, adding it should have participated in debate and registered dissent within the House.
Suspended MLAs Attend Session
While 32 Congress MLAs stayed away, three suspended MLAs — Jarnail Singh, Shalley Chaudhary and Renu Bala — attended the session briefly. Mohammad Israel sought exemption, while Punhana MLA Mohammad Iliyas was unwell.
