Nagpur/Akola: The BJP on Saturday intensified its political offensive, accusing Congress of undermining women’s rights by opposing the proposed Women’s Reservation Bill that seeks to ensure 33% representation for women in legislatures. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described the legislation as ‘historic’ and central to India’s long-term development goals. “The decision to grant 33% reservation to women is vital for a developed India by 2047. By opposing this bill, Congress has insulted women,” he said, adding that celebrations by the grand old party members following resistance to the measure amounted to ‘an attack on dignity of women.‘ The minister alleged that the Congress consistently opposed similar initiatives since 1996, thereby denying representation to millions of women. “This is not a political issue but one of women’s respect. Women voters will certainly take note of this in the coming elections,” he said. Echoing the criticism, state BJP president Ravindra Chavan termed Congress’s opposition as a ‘grave mistake,’ saying the electorate would respond decisively. “The Congress has committed a serious error by opposing a bill aimed at empowering women. People will not forgive this,” he said during a party event in Akola, where leaders gathered as part of a broader outreach initiative. In Nagpur, BJP MLA Krishna Khopde questioned the silence of regional Congress leaders, alleging inconsistency in the party’s stance. “The Congress, which repeatedly claims credit for the bill, opposed it in Parliament. This has exposed its true face,” he said, adding that even women MPs from the party resisted the proposal.BJP sources said CM Devendra Fadnavis would be addressing the media on the issue of delimitation along with senior office-bearers of the party on Sunday at 12 noon. The move came after the party asked all its units across the state to slam Congress and other opposition parties for defeating the women’s reservation bill, sources claimed. BJP also sought to frame the legislation as socially inclusive. Bawankule argued that the bill could expand opportunities for Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, accusing the opposition of misleading the public on its implications. Beyond the political exchange, Bawankule urged restraint on sensitive issues, including ongoing criminal investigations, stressing that “it is appropriate to wait for the final report rather than speculate”. He also flagged concerns over water scarcity, calling for a 50% reduction in usage amid below-average rainfall.
