BJP National General Secretary and Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in-charge Tarun Chugh on Monday asked National Conference leader Omar Abdullah to clarify his party’s position on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for 33% reservation for women in legislatures.
Addressing the issue, Chugh said Abdullah should clearly state whether the National Conference supports or opposes the legislation, rather than making what he described as “evasive statements.” He termed the law a “historic step” towards women’s political empowerment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Chugh also criticised the National Conference’s past record, alleging that women’s rights in Jammu and Kashmir were constrained for decades under Article 370 and 35A. Referring to the 2004 “Daughters’ Bill,” he said it reflected a discriminatory approach by linking women’s rights to whom they married.
He further accused the National Conference and parties associated with the Gupkar alliance of maintaining a “regressive” stance on women’s empowerment, and said any delay or conditional support for the legislation indicated reluctance to ensure equality.
Chugh added that initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao demonstrated the Centre’s commitment to women’s empowerment, and said voters, particularly women, would take note of what he called “double standards.”
He urged Omar Abdullah to extend unequivocal support to the legislation.
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