Opposition attempted to snatch women's rights: Rajasthan CM

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Monday accused the Opposition of attempting to ''snatch the rights of women'' and termed their actions as actions as detrimental to women's empowerment. Addressing a gathering after flagging off the 'Mahila Jan Akrosh Yatra' in Jaipur, Sharma said, ''Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the 'Nari Shakti Vandan' Act to make it a historic moment for women, but opposition parties tried to turn it into a dark chapter.'' He said, ''Modi is committed to ensuring full rights for the ''half population.'' The chief minister alleged that parties with a ''dynastic mindset'' came together in Parliament to oppose the legislation and accused them of attempting to suppress the aspirations of women. ''The women of the country will not forgive them,'' he said. He said the BJP-led government has prioritised women's participation in policymaking and governance, adding that initiatives aimed at women's empowerment have been undertaken since 2014. Sharma also criticised the Congress for opposing key decisions taken in national interest, including the abrogation of Article 370 and other policy measures. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari also addressed the gathering and said the opposition's stance on the women's reservation bill was ''unfortunate'' and it deprived women of opportunities. ''The insult to women will not be tolerated, and this rally is a response to those opposing women's rights,'' she said. Several BJP leaders, including minister Manju Baghmar and MP Manju Sharma, were present at the event.