Raipur, April 19: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh on Sunday accused opposition parties of blocking the Nari Shakti Vandan (Amendment) Act. Speaking at a joint press conference, the leaders alleged that the INDI Alliance, led by the Congress, had taken an “anti-women stand” by opposing the bill, which seeks to provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

CM Sai stated that the legislation was introduced under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure greater female participation in governance. He noted that although there was nationwide enthusiasm during the special Parliament session from 16 to 18 April, the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party created obstacles to deny women their rightful representation.

Describing the opposition’s stance as a “grave injustice,” Sai reiterated the BJP’s commitment to securing constitutional rights for women. He highlighted the party’s track record, citing the implementation of 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and various welfare schemes as evidence of the BJP’s empowerment efforts.

The Chief Minister further alleged that the Congress had deliberately stalled the bill for decades by raising concerns over delimitation. He claimed that the public would not forgive the opposition for this “betrayal.”

BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh termed the opposition’s resistance a “dark chapter” in parliamentary history. He cited the Shah Bano case and the Triple Talaq law as historical examples of the Congress acting against women’s interests. Addressing the issue of delimitation, Singh explained that the revision of constituencies is a constitutional necessity based on population changes since 1971.

Singh added that the BJP intends to take this issue to the grassroots level to hold the opposition accountable. He concluded that the party would continue its campaign for women’s empowerment despite the legislative hurdles created in Parliament.