Chandigarh, 25 April (H.S.): Braving scorching heat, hundreds of women from across Punjab, led by BJP Punjab Working State President Ashwani Sharma, marched towards the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday. The protesters demanded an explanation from the Aam Aadmi Party over its opposition to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which proposes 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.

As the protest intensified, Chandigarh Police intervened and detained several BJP leaders who attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Among those detained were former Union Minister Parneet Kaur; Jai Inder Kaur, State President of BJP Mahila Morcha Punjab; Mohinder Kaur Josh and Mona Jaiswal, Vice Presidents of BJP Punjab; along with Meenu Sethi, Vandana Sangwan, Renu Thappar, and Ekta Nagpal.

Raising slogans of “Nari Shakti Zindabad,” the protesters reiterated their demand for equal political representation and vowed to continue their fight until the Women’s Reservation Bill is implemented. Addressing the gathering, Ashwani Sharma said that the Narendra Modi-led BJP has consistently supported women’s empowerment and accused opposition parties of blocking progressive reforms.

“It is surprising that Congress and AAP have come together to oppose women’s reservation. This reflects political opportunism and vote-bank politics,” Sharma stated.

Jai Inder Kaur termed the opposition to the bill a “black day” for democracy, alleging that both Congress and AAP have failed women by denying them rightful representation. Parneet Kaur also criticized the opposition, urging all political parties to rise above political differences and support measures that ensure empowerment and equal representation for women across the country.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH