Navsari, April 18 (NationPress) The Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, Jagdish Vishwakarma, on Saturday criticized the Congress party for hindering the Women’s Reservation Bill, claiming the opposition has stalled an essential legislation designed to promote increased political involvement among women.

While addressing a 'Vikas Sankalp Sabha' at Chikhli in Navsari district, part of the party’s campaign for local self-governance elections, Vishwakarma stated that the Bill was proposed under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi but was obstructed by opposition factions.

“The opposition, which includes Congress, has put up barriers and prevented its passage. The women of our nation will never forget Congress’s actions,” he asserted.

He further criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting that the party fails to recognize women's dignity and potential.

“Today, the daughters of our nation are showcasing their talents in areas like space, sports, startups, and many more, yet Congress chose to block the Bill, stifling their advancement,” he remarked.

In discussing governance and progress, Vishwakarma noted that the groundwork established by Modi during his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat has influenced the nation's development path.

“The 1.4 billion citizens of our country have reinforced the development trajectory by electing Narendra Modi as Prime Minister three times,” he added, stating that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is continuing the state's developmental journey.

He mentioned that the BJP government has enacted programs supporting women from pregnancy through childbirth, with the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative yielding significant results in education and self-reliance.

Programs like Drone Didi, Lakhpati Didi, and the Ujjwala scheme have contributed to empowering women economically, he stated.

Regarding tribal welfare, Vishwakarma noted: “The government has initiated measures from Ambaji to Umargam to deliver education, healthcare, and comprehensive development for tribal communities. Various programs have ensured advantages for families and children, along with investments in infrastructure such as classrooms, medical colleges, and universities under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana.”

He reiterated that Gujarat had already established a 50% reservation for women in local self-government bodies during Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister.

“This initiative has enabled women to participate equally in public life. The proposed legislation aims to extend these opportunities at the national level,” he clarified.

Vishwakarma also discussed electoral outcomes, mentioning that in Navsari district, 58 out of 254 candidates were elected unopposed, while across Gujarat, over 700 local self-government seats were won uncontested by BJP candidates, which he claimed reflects the opposition’s weaknesses in policy and strategy.

Regarding development initiatives, he stated: “The government has ensured housing, clean drinking water through the 'Nal Se Jal' program, round-the-clock electricity, sanitation, and daytime power supply for farmers. Initiatives like Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Suryoday Yojana, tractor subsidies, disaster relief packages, and Ayushman cards have delivered direct benefits to farmers and the broader community.”