Shillong, April 20: The Meghalaya unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized opposition parties following disruptions in Parliament on April 16 and 17 that stalled the passage of key legislations, including the Womens Reseervation Bill, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, the Delimitation Bill, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment).
Speaking to media persons on Monday, State in-charge Anil Antony described the developments as “shocking, unsettling, and heartbreaking,” particularly in the context of Meghalaya’s matrilineal society where women traditionally hold a central role. The party accused opposition groups, including the Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Samajwadi Party, of blocking the bills and “betraying half the country’s population.”
He also alleged that the actions of these opposition parties reflected a “medieval mindset” that denies women equal rights and representation. It termed such actions unacceptable and unpardonable, especially for a state like Meghalaya that prides itself on empowering women.
Reaffirming its support for the Centre’s push for women’s reservation, State BJP President of Mahila Morcha Meghalaya Mrs Arena Hynñiewta cited the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, in a televised address, vowed to continue efforts to ensure the legislation becomes a reality. The party echoed his stance that women’s reservation is a “natural right” and not a favour.
She also highlights made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who clarified in Parliament that the proposed delimitation exercise would not harm any state and is essential to uphold the constitutional principle of equitable representation.
She further accused the opposition of spreading misinformation about the implications of the bills and urged citizens not to be misled. It stressed that the proposed legislations were aimed at strengthening democratic participation, particularly by increasing women’s representation in legislative bodies.
Expressing disappointment over the conduct witnessed in Parliament, including what it described as “shameless celebration” following the bills’ obstruction, she said the incident had left many in Meghalaya “disgusted and heartbroken.
Despite the setback, BJP Meghalaya asserted that the fight for women’s reservation would continue. “Together, we will ensure that women—our mothers and sisters—receive their rightful place in legislative decision-making,” she concluded.
