Shimla, April 22
Himachal BJP president Rajeev Bindal on Tuesday criticised the Congress over the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging that the party has acted against the interests of women and announced a protest march by women in Shimla on April 23.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Bindal said the developments in Parliament over the Nari Shakti Vandan Act reflected an anti-women approach by the Congress. He alleged that the party had stalled the bill for decades and failed to support it when it was brought forward. “Congress has betrayed crores of women by opposing the bill,” he said.
Bindal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made efforts to increase women’s participation in governance by bringing the legislation, but claimed that the Congress and its allies did not support it. He added that over the past several years, the Center has taken steps to advance the economic, social, and educational empowerment of women, and that the bill was aimed at ensuring their role in policymaking. He also announced that women will take out a Jan Aakrosh padyatra at Chaura Maidan in Shimla on April 23, where a large number of participants are expected to protest against the Congress.
Targeting the state government, Bindal said Congress leaders in Himachal Pradesh have not taken a clear stand on the issue and claimed that women in the state will respond through public protests.
In the Panchayati Raj elections, he accused the state government of attempting to delay the electoral process and interfere with constitutional procedures. He said the Election Commission had to write to the Governor regarding the situation. He also alleged that funds from the Finance Commission were diverted, affecting development in rural and urban areas. Bindal described the announcement of urban local body elections as a victory for the public and the judicial system. He said while the Center is working to empower women, the Congress is attempting to weaken democratic processes.
He also criticized the state government over the recent increase in room tariffs at Himachal Bhawan in Delhi, Himachal Sadan, Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh, and Willingdon Park Circuit House in Shimla. He said the increase, along with higher stamp duty and diesel cess, would burden the public. The BJP leader said the issues raised would be taken to the people, adding that public response in the upcoming elections would reflect their opinion.
