Opposition’s anti-women stance on quota Bill stands exposed: Union Minister Jitendra

Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday criticised the Congress and the INDIA bloc, alleging that their opposition to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam had exposed an “anti-women stance”.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the Bill was aimed at institutionalising women’s participation in governance and decision-making. “At a time when the nation was ready for this historic step, the opposition chose obstruction over cooperation,” he said, accusing Congress and its allies of placing political considerations above women’s empowerment.

Terming the opposition’s stance a “historic betrayal”, he said while the Congress had spoken about women’s reservation for decades, it had failed to implement it.

“When a credible, constitutionally viable and well-researched framework was presented, they resorted to procedural excuses and diversionary arguments. This reflects a lack of intent,” he said.

He also claimed that the BJP had already ensured more than 33 per cent representation for women within its organisational structure. “Unlike the Congress, which remains entrenched in dynastic politics, the BJP has promoted women based on merit, performance and leadership potential,” he added.

BJP national vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Saroj Pandey, who was also present at the press conference, echoed similar views and criticised the Congress leadership.

She said women had long been treated as a vote bank and that when the opportunity for structural empowerment arose, the Congress chose to step back.

Targeting Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, Pandey said, “Slogans like ‘Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon’ ring hollow when a major legislative opportunity for women’s empowerment is not supported. The country deserves an answer.” She added that women across the country would recognise the difference and respond accordingly in the democratic process.