Guwahati, 23 April (HS): Thousands of women took to the streets in Guwahati on Thursday, protesting against the non-passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Parliament, which proposes 33% reservation for women in legislatures.

The rally, organised by BJP Mahila Morcha, Assam Pradesh, began from Khanapara Veterinary College playground, where participants accused Congress and other opposition parties of insulting women by opposing the bill during the recent special parliamentary session.

Addressing the gathering, Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia alleged that Congress had failed to ensure political rights for women despite decades in power, while expressing confidence that the proposed reservation would be implemented under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Former Union Minister and ex-MP Bijoya Chakravarty also criticised opposition parties, asserting that women deserve equal political representation. Several leaders and artists, along with representatives from NDA allies, participated in the protest.

The organisers said the rally reflected growing public support for women’s political empowerment and termed the 33% reservation a rightful claim, not a favour.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash