PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress at a press conference today, calling it “anti-national” and accusing it of betraying crores of women by opposing the women’s reservation bill.
The remarks come a day after the proposed Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which seeks to provide 33% reservation for women in legislatures, failed to secure the mandatory two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha.
“Congress is an anti-national party. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked towards women’s empowerment. If anyone has betrayed 70 crore Indian women, it is Congress and its allies,” Sawant said, adding that despite giving India a woman Prime Minister, the party failed to ensure women’s reservation.
Sawant said the opposition alliance, including Congress and other parties, blocked a historic opportunity for women’s political representation. “By opposing this bill, they have insulted Nari Shakti. Women of this country will not forgive them,” he said.
Backing the CM, BJP State President Damodar Naik termed the bill a revolutionary reform and alleged that parties like Congress and the Samajwadi Party fiercely opposed it during voting in Parliament. “From Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari, people saw how the Opposition tried to prevent its passage. This is a massive betrayal of women,” he said.
Naik also pointed to past attempts to pass similar legislation during earlier governments, claiming Congress had consistently obstructed such efforts. He criticised the party’s earlier remarks on the bill, including calling it a “jumla,” and accused it of politicising women’s empowerment.
Poriem MLA Divya Rane described the development as a “black day” in India’s history. “This bill would have ensured representation for 50% of the population. Women have excelled in every field but lack adequate space in decision-making. Blocking this is an insult to every woman’s dignity,” she said.
Despite the setback, the BJP leaders expressed confidence that the legislation would eventually be passed. Sawant reiterated the party’s commitment, highlighting what he called “women-centric governance” under Modi’s leadership.
“For the first time, schemes like PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Jan Dhan accounts have empowered women directly. In many cases, assets are registered in women’s names. This is real empowerment,” he said.
He added that the BJP has already implemented 33% reservation within its organisational structure and would push for similar representation in legislatures. “With a two-thirds majority, we will pass this bill and give women their rightful place,” Sawant asserted.
During a press interaction, Sawant also reiterated that he was willing to vacate his seat if it were reserved for a woman under the proposed law. “Without hesitation, I am ready to step aside for a woman candidate if a reservation applies to my constituency,” he said.
On the question of women’s representation in the state cabinet, the Chief Minister said the party would definitely consider appointing a woman minister.
