Members of Odisha Mahila Congress protested near Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar against the alleged ‘anti-women’ stance of the BJP-led government, demanding the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, for 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies. The demonstration followed a public meeting where senior Congress leaders addressed party workers on women’s representation. Subsequently, women Congress supporters attempted to march towards the state Assembly, calling for their demands.
Police intervened as the situation escalated, erecting barricades to control the protesters. Tensions rose as some protesters tried to breach the barricades, resulting in a scuffle with the police. Several women protesters were detained to maintain law and order, according to officials. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das announced a statewide agitation against the BJP government’s ‘anti-women’ stance.
Das highlighted that women across the state will protest in early May to address the confusion created by the ruling BJP regarding women’s reservation. Torchlight processions are planned by the Mahila Congress on May 3 and 4 at the district level, followed by block-level rallies on May 7 and 8. The Odisha PCC President warned of consequences if the Women’s Reservation Act is not implemented promptly.
AICC Odisha Co-Incharge J.T. Kusum Kumar emphasized the Congress’s history of women Presidents and criticized the BJP for not having a woman leader in its 46-year history. The Mahila Congress demonstration aimed to push for the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, ensuring 33% reservation for women candidates in legislative bodies. Congress leaders accused the BJP of theatrics and spreading misinformation on women’s reservation, questioning the delay in implementing the Act during the 2024 general elections.
