Women leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party organized a ‘Jan Akrosh Mahila Padyatra’ in Shimla on Thursday, stating that the march was meant to support women’s reservation and expose opposition parties on the issue. They also claimed that women in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu would demonstrate who genuinely stands with them.

The march took place at Chaura Maidan, drawing large participation from women across Himachal Pradesh, who raised slogans and carried banners criticizing opposition parties, including the Congress, accusing them of opposing women’s reservation. State BJP Mahila Morcha president Daisy Thakur said the padyatra aimed to secure women’s rights and promote their political participation. She emphasized that the Women’s Reservation Bill is about granting long-awaited rights to women, adding that many have been waiting decades for such representation.

Thakur further alleged that opposition parties tried to delay the bill for political reasons, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for working to ensure one-third representation for women in legislatures. She warned that those opposing the bill could face consequences in upcoming elections. BJP General Secretary Payal Vaidya also criticized the opposition, saying women voters would strongly respond, especially during ongoing local body elections, and send a clear message to those denying their rights.

MLA Reena Kashyap said the rally was intended to highlight the denial of women’s rights and expose those who opposed the bill, adding that leaders who fail to respect women may struggle electorally. State BJP Vice-President Rashmi Dhar Sood targeted opposition leaders in states like West Bengal, alleging violence and neglect of women’s issues, and said women there would soon show their support for those who truly stand with them.

BJP state president Rajiv Bindal accused the state government of trying to restrict women’s participation in the rally by stopping their vehicles from entering Shimla, calling it a serious concern. BJP leaders said the padyatra reflects growing support among women for reservation and warned that parties opposing it may face backlash in elections.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.