THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, April 19: The BJP has intensified its attack on the Opposition, particularly the Congress, after the women’s reservation bill failed in the Lok Sabha, accusing rival parties of being “anti-women” and launching a series of political and public outreach programmes in Jharkhand.
At a joint press conference in Ranchi, former Assam Chief Minister and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, along with former Bihar minister and Jamui MLA Shreyasi Singh, alleged that the Congress and its allies had “insulted” women by opposing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill).
Sonowal said the Opposition would “have to face the consequences of their political sins,” claiming the Congress has historically taken a narrow view of women’s leadership. He alleged that for the party, the idea of women is limited to a few leaders, while ignoring broader empowerment.
Positioning the Modi government as pro-women, he highlighted schemes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and said the Centre had made efforts to ensure 33% reservation for women through a special parliamentary session. He accused the Opposition of running a “conspiracy” to block the legislation.
Shreyasi Singh echoed the attack, saying it was “not the bill, but the INDIA alliance that has fallen in the eyes of women.” She alleged that Opposition parties only pay lip service to women’s empowerment while resisting their actual political participation.
She also targeted the Jharkhand government, claiming it has failed to ensure women’s safety and dignity, and alleged rising crimes against women in the state.
Akrosh Rally, Statewide Campaign
As part of its campaign, the BJP announced a major ‘Mahila Janakrosh’ (women’s outrage) rally in Ranchi on April 25. The march will proceed from Morabadi Ground to Main Road, with participation expected from thousands of women across the districts of Ranchi, Ramgarh, Khunti and Lohardaga.
The party will also hold four press conferences across Jharkhand on April 20 in Hazaribagh, Deoghar, Dhanbad and Jamshedpur, led by senior leaders including Union Minister Annapurna Devi and former CM Raghubar Das.
The outreach is part of the BJP’s broader strategy to mobilise women voters and build political momentum following the setback of the women’s reservation bill, while keeping the focus on the Opposition parties’ stance on the issue.