Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, labeling it 'anti-women', after the Assam Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the expedited implementation of women's reservation in legislative bodies. The resolution, moved by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeks to fast-track the constitutional amendment that guarantees 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
CM's Accusations Against Congress
Speaking on the floor of the House, Sarma alleged that Congress MLAs had deliberately absented themselves during the adoption of the resolution, acting on instructions from the party's central leadership. 'The Congress party has once again shown its true colors. They claim to support women's empowerment, but when it comes to actual action, they run away. Their absence today is a clear indication that they are anti-women,' Sarma said.
Resolution Details
The resolution urges the central government to implement the Women's Reservation Act, which was passed by Parliament in 2023 but has not yet been enforced due to pending delimitation and census exercises. The Assam government has pledged to provide all necessary support to expedite the process, including conducting a caste-based census to ensure that reservation benefits reach women from backward communities.
Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, however, countered Sarma's claims, stating that the Congress party supports women's reservation and that the absence of some MLAs was due to prior engagements. 'We have always stood for women's rights. The Chief Minister is politicizing the issue. Our party will continue to demand implementation of the reservation without delay,' Saikia said.
Political Reactions
The resolution has sparked a political debate in the state, with the BJP accusing the Congress of hypocrisy and the Congress defending its record on women's issues. Several women's organizations have welcomed the move, urging all parties to work together for the early implementation of the quota.
The Assam government has also announced a series of measures to enhance women's safety and economic participation, including the launch of a dedicated helpline and skill development programs.
