GUWAHATI, April 22: Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday criticised the Congress and its allies for opposing the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment Bill 2026, calling their stance an insult to women across the country.
Addressing a media conference at the district BJP office in Dibrugarh, Sonowal said the opposition to the bill — which seeks to reserve 33 percent of seats for women — reflects disregard for women’s rightful representation and dignity.
“Our protest against forces opposing the 33 percent 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 said.
The Dibrugarh MP in Lok Sabha noted that the bill, recently introduced by the Government of India, aims to ensure that women receive their due rights and respect.
“We expected all political parties to respond positively, as this concerns the rightful entitlements of women. Equal participation of women and men is essential for the country’s development,” Sonowal said.
However, he expressed disappointment that the Congress and its allied parties opposed the legislation.
“Despite women constituting nearly 50 percent of the population, their representation in Parliament and state legislatures remains limited to around 15 to 16 percent. This is clearly unjust,” the Union minister said.
Highlighting the record of successive governments, Sonowal said Congress, despite ruling the country for decades, failed to take such a significant step for women.
In contrast, he said the BJP-led NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently worked toward women’s empowerment.
The Union Minister cited initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission as key measures that have strengthened women socially and economically.
“We believe in women-led development. Women should not only be beneficiaries but also play a leading role in policymaking and governance,” Sonowal said.
He added that political parties opposing women’s rights would face a strong response from women across the country.
