Former J&K Minister and BJP leader Priya Sethi on Tuesday strongly criticized Opposition parties over the failure to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill amendment in Parliament.
Addressing the media, Sethi—flanked by Updesh Andotra (District President, Kathua), Aarti Jasrotia (Secretary, BJP J&K), and Sushma Mahajan (BJP Mahila Morcha District President)—alleged that parties such as the Indian National Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, All India Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party opposed the bill due to “selfish and dynastic politics.”
She stated, “Congress is afraid that its dynastic system will collapse, which is why it rejected the bill.”
Responding to concerns around delimitation and the Census, Sethi clarified that delays in conducting the Census—often cited as a reason for postponement—were due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expressing disappointment, she said the entire nation, especially women, had been watching Parliament with hope. “Today, every citizen of India has seen how the progress of women’s empowerment has been halted and their dreams crushed. Crores of women were looking towards Parliament, but their expectations were shattered,” she said.
Criticizing the conduct of Opposition leaders, Sethi remarked, “It is painful to see that when a proposal meant for women’s welfare was defeated, opposition parties were clapping. This was not just desk-thumping—it was an attack on the dignity and self-respect of women.”
She added that women across the country would remember the moment. “A woman may forget many things, but she never forgets an insult to her dignity. The behaviour of opposition parties will remain in the hearts of women, and they will respond at the right time,” she asserted.
Highlighting the broader impact, Sethi said the rejection of the bill was not just a political setback but a blow to the aspirations of millions of women. “For 70 years, women were denied equal political rights, and when the opportunity finally came under the Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Narendra Modi, it was taken away again. This is not just the defeat of a bill, but the defeat of the dreams of millions,” she stated.
She emphasized that while women are progressing in every field and becoming financially independent, they are still being denied rightful representation in politics. “When it came to giving women their place in Parliament and Assemblies, the Opposition chose power over progress,” she added.
Drawing global comparisons, Sethi said that while many countries are advancing women’s participation in politics, India missed a crucial opportunity. “This is a step backward for the country and a setback to its global image,” she remarked.
Sethi warned that the Opposition is underestimating the awareness and strength of modern Indian women. “Women of the 21st century are watching everything. They understand the truth and will not forgive this injustice. Those who opposed women’s reservation will have to face the consequences,” she said.(KINS)
