Maharashtra BJP Mobilises Protests, Rallies Over Women’s Reservation Bill Defeat

Mumbai: Following the failure of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, the BJP has initiated protests and rallies against the opposition in Maharashtra, accusing them of being ‘anti-women.’ Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will hold a joint press conference on Monday, which will be attended by the top women leaders of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Sunetra Pawar-led NCP..The BJP has decided to hold a mega rally, which is expected to be held on April 30 in Mumbai, in this regard. Fadnavis has also criticized the opposition, demanding they “play a band and dance” if they are happy about the bill’s defeat.Meanwhile, the BJP Mahila Morcha workers staged protests in various parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, demanding an apology from Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi for their role in the bill not passing. The protests are framed around the slogan “Rahul Gandhi maafi maango” (Rahul Gandhi, apologize). Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrasekhar Bawankule also warned that women voters would not forget this ‘betrayal’ and would give a fitting reply at the ballot box.Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also criticised the Opposition over the Women’s Reservation Bill’s failure in the Lok Sabha. Terming it a “black day”, he said, “This was an opportunity for the opposition to respect women and make them self-reliant, which they have lost. This is a very unfortunate incident.”Mr. Shinde further alleged that Congress and opposition parties are anti-women and the nation will not tolerate this. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly said that this is like the killing of women’s aspirations. The opposition has worked to snatch away women’s rights and weaken democracy,” he said.



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