Mira Borthakur, a Congress leader, on Sunday launched a strong attack on the BJP over the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging that the party’s commitment to women’s empowerment is “fake and politically motivated.”
Speaking at a press conference at the Manabendra Sharma Complex in Guwahati, Borthakur questioned why the law, passed in 2023, has yet to be enforced. She said that despite repeated claims, there has been no concrete effort to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women in elected bodies.
Targeting the BJP’s record, she pointed out that the party fielded only one woman candidate in the last Lok Sabha elections and six in the Assembly polls. In comparison, she said, the Congress nominated 13 women candidates, indicating a stronger commitment to women’s representation.
Borthakur further alleged that the BJP is attempting to appropriate the idea of women’s reservation, which she claimed originated with the Congress. “They talk about 33 per cent reservation, but their actions tell a different story,” she said.
She also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent speech, stating that it focused more on attacking the Congress than addressing issues affecting women.
Highlighting concerns over women’s safety and justice, Borthakur referred to incidents across the country where women have faced injustice. She questioned the silence of senior BJP leaders during the Manipur violence, where women were seen protesting in distress. She also mentioned the case of women wrestlers who raised harassment allegations, claiming they were mistreated rather than supported.
Additionally, she questioned why BJP leaders had not reached out to the family of Jonmoni Rabha and referred to Garima Saikia Garg, stating that justice in her case remains delayed. She asked why ministers and leaders had not visited or extended support to such victims.
Borthakur further alleged that the BJP is linking women’s reservation with constituency delimitation to serve its political interests rather than genuinely empower women.
She also accused the party of attempting to “buy women’s support” through financial incentives, arguing that such steps reflect a lack of sincerity.
“The BJP accuses Congress of being anti-women, but their own actions expose their reality,” she said, adding that real empowerment requires genuine political will, not just rhetoric.
Reiterating her stance, Borthakur demanded immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation law and greater accountability from the government.
