Jaipur, April 20 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that April 17 was envisioned as a historic and golden day for the country with the passage of the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the opposition turned the occasion into a “dark chapter” for the nation’s women.

He asserted that women across the country would not forgive the opposition and expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi will ensure that the “half of the population” receives its full and rightful entitlements.

The Chief Minister was addressing a large gathering during the Mahila Jan Akrosh Yatra in Jaipur on Monday, which he formally flagged off.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Sharma emphasised that Indian culture has always accorded the highest respect to women. He said the BJP government introduced the legislation in Parliament to strengthen women’s participation in policymaking. However, Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party, adopting a dynastic mindset, worked together to obstruct the passage of the amendment to the Act.

He added that the opposition would face public backlash for attempting to undermine women’s rights and aspirations.

CM Sharma further remarked that the Congress has historically opposed several key national initiatives, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. He also accused the party of questioning the armed forces’ actions during ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, he said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership since 2014, multiple schemes have been implemented to uplift women, including Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Lakhpati Didi, and the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana.

He stressed that the vision of a developed India and Rajasthan cannot be achieved without the active participation of women in leadership and policymaking.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari also addressed the gathering, calling the opposition’s stance shameful and asserting that women would deliver a strong response.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill) was introduced in Parliament to enhance women’s participation; however, the fact that the opposition and its allies opposed this measure is truly shameful. By doing so, they deprived ordinary women of the opportunities that were rightfully theirs. Such an insult to women will not be tolerated,” she said.

“Through this rally, a resounding retort will be delivered to these anti-women political parties,” she added.

The march saw participation from several leaders, including Minister of State Manju Baghmar, MP Manju Sharma, and BJP Mahila Morcha State President Rakhi Rathore, along with party workers and a large number of women.

–IANS

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