GUWAHATI — The College of Veterinary Science playground in Khanapara turned into a sea of protesters on Thursday as thousands of women responded to a call by the BJP Mahila Morcha, Assam Pradesh, to demonstrate against the opposition's stand on the proposed Nari Shakti Vandan (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The protest was held in response to the stance taken by the Congress and other opposition parties during a Special Session of Parliament on April 16 and 17, where the Bill — which seeks 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies — was opposed.
Addressing the gathering, Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia accused the Congress of failing to secure adequate political rights for women during its decades in power, contrasting it with what he described as the current central government's commitment to implementing women's reservation in legislative bodies.
Former Union Minister and ex-Guwahati MP Bijoya Chakravarty also spoke, asserting that women must secure their rightful place in governance — and energised the crowd by rendering a popular Bhupen Hazarika song.
BJP Mahila Morcha State President Nilima Devi termed the opposition's position as being "against the interests of women."
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The protest drew participation beyond the BJP itself, with representatives from NDA alliance partners also taking part. AGP leader Purabi Talukdar, BPF's Begum Akhtara Ahmed, and Rabha Hasong leaders Sita Rabha and Jonali Rabha joined the demonstration in a show of coalition solidarity.
The event also featured cultural performances by artists including Shanta Uzir, Malabika Bora, and Sandhya Menon, adding a cultural dimension to the political gathering.
The protest march moved through key areas of Khanapara, drawing public attention to the demand for enhanced political representation for women.