Dehradun: During the special Assembly session, a condemnation motion was passed against the role of opposition parties for not allowing the amendment bill related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act to be passed unanimously in the Lok Sabha. Heated debates took place between the ruling party and opposition during the discussion on “Women’s Respect – Rights in Democracy.” The proceedings were adjourned for 15 minutes amid the chaos and later suspended indefinitely at 6 PM following continued protests.
The state government had convened a one-day special session on the issue of women’s reservation and empowerment. Proceedings began at 11 AM. Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya proposed a resolution to implement 33% reservation for women in the 2027 Assembly elections, which was rejected by Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan.
During the discussion, CM Dhami proposed a unanimous resolution supporting 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies as pursued by the central government.
The Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of both central and state governments in women’s empowerment and strongly criticized the Congress and opposition parties for not supporting the amendment bill in the Lok Sabha. He accused them of conspiring to suppress women’s rights and obstruct efforts to provide equal representation to half the population.
The opposition rejected these allegations. Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya reiterated support for the 2023 Act passed in Lok Sabha but demanded implementation of 33% reservation in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Resolution passed in the Assembly
The House passed a resolution stating that the role of Congress and its allied parties in defeating the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha exposed their anti-women stance. It said that the bill aimed to provide representation and equality to 50% of the population, including women from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and general categories. The House condemned their actions and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his efforts toward women empowerment, urging early implementation of the measure.
Uproar over minister’s statement; Congress MLAs enter the Well
During the discussion, a statement by Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bahuguna led to chaos in the House. Congress MLAs entered the Well of the House and began raising slogans. The ruling party also responded with counter-slogans. Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya demanded that the statement be removed from the official proceedings.
