Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today accused the Opposition of blocking the progress of the Women’s Reservation Bill, saying they acted against women’s empowerment for political gains.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office in Agartala, he said the Nari Shakti Vandan Act (Women’s Reservation Bill 2023) is a “historic and revolutionary step” aimed at ensuring 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, promoting women-led development in India.

Dr. Saha said the bill reflects a long-standing demand of nearly three decades, repeatedly delayed due to opposition from various parties. He claimed that even in earlier attempts since 1996, the bill faced resistance, though it was eventually passed in 2023 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

He further stated that the latest amendment proposal, intended to enable implementation from the 2029 elections after the census process, was again obstructed in Parliament by the Opposition.

The Chief Minister criticized the INDIA Alliance, Congress, CPI(M), and others, alleging they are against women’s empowerment and “self-centered in their politics.” He asserted that the Modi government remains committed to ensuring greater representation of women in politics.

Senior BJP leaders including Industries Minister Santana Chakma and MLAs Mina Rani Sarkar and Antara Dev Sarkar were also present.