People will respond to those blocking women’s quota: Odisha CM

Rourkela, Apr 21: Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, days after the Centre’s attempt to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 failed to pass in the Lok Sabha.

Addressing a public event in Rourkela in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Majhi accused the Congress and its allies of obstructing a crucial reform aimed at empowering women.

“The people of India are simple, but they are swabimani (proud). They will certainly give a befitting reply to those who obstructed making provision for women’s reservation,” the chief minister said.

He alleged that the opposition parties had “denied women their rightful representation” in legislative bodies by derailing the bill, and asserted that the public would hold them accountable at an appropriate time.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions following the setback to the proposed legislation, which sought to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies starting 2029.

The event in Rourkela, attended by top dignitaries, also focused on developmental initiatives in the region, even as the chief minister used the platform to mount a strong political critique of the opposition over the women’s quota issue.