PANAJI, GOA — Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant strongly criticised opposition parties over the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, and joined a protest led by BJP Mahila Morcha in Panaji.
Speaking during the protest, Sawant said that the INDI alliance opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam when it was close to being passed in the Lok Sabha, preventing women from getting their long-awaited rights. He condemned the opposition’s stand and said it has disappointed women across the country.
The Chief Minister also participated in the protest organised by BJP Mahila Morcha, where party workers gathered to express their anger over the bill’s defeat in Parliament. The protest saw participation from women supporters who raised slogans and demanded immediate implementation of women’s reservation.
Sawant said that the bill aimed to ensure 33% reservation for women from the Panchayat level to Parliament, which would have strengthened their participation in governance and decision-making. He added that blocking such a bill has slowed down the process of women’s empowerment.
He further stated that women across the country have taken to the streets to protest against the opposition, showing their determination to fight for their rights. He praised their efforts and said their voice reflects the aspirations of millions.
According to him, women’s empowerment is essential for the country’s progress, and political parties should rise above differences to support such important reforms. He stressed that denying women their rights is not only unfair but also harmful to overall development.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that his government and party will continue to support women’s rights and work towards ensuring greater representation in politics.
The protest and Sawant’s remarks come amid intense political debate over the Women’s Reservation Bill, with both the ruling party and opposition blaming each other for its failure in Parliament.
Pramod Sawant’s participation in the protest highlights the BJP’s strong stance on the issue, while reflecting growing political and public reactions to the bill’s defeat.
