Dibrugarh: Union minister and Dibrugarh MP Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday attacked Congress party and its INDIA bloc allies for opposing the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment Bill 2026, calling their stance an affront to women’s dignity and rights.Addressing a press conference at the district BJP office in Dibrugarh, Sonowal said the BJP-led NDA government would press ahead with 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. “Our protest against forces opposing the 33% 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.
He said the bill was a historic opportunity for political parties to unite on women’s empowerment. “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.Citing current representation levels, Sonowal said women, despite being nearly half of India’s population, account for only 15 to 16 per cent of members in Parliament and state assemblies. “This is clearly unjust,” he said.Sonowal questioned why Congress did not enact such legislation during its years in power, and credited the Modi govt with prioritising women’s welfare through schemes including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana and the Swachh Bharat Mission.“We believe in women-led development. Women should not only be beneficiaries but also play a leading role in policymaking and governance,” Sonowal declared.He also warned parties opposing the bill of political consequences. “Political parties opposing women’s rights will face a strong response from women across India,” he added.
