Guwahati, May 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday accused the Congress of being “anti-women” after its legislators staged a brief walkout during a discussion on a government resolution supporting 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. Sarma claimed Congress MLAs had been instructed by the party’s central leadership not to remain present when the resolution was adopted, alleging that the party had historically surrendered to the “anti-women policies” of allies such as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

The resolution, moved by Women and Child Welfare Minister Ajanta Neog, called for immediate implementation of one-third reservation for women in Parliament and Assemblies following delimitation. Congress and Raijor Dal members briefly walked out after objecting to remarks made against the Congress by BJP MLA Bhuban Pegu, but returned before the resolution was passed by voice vote.

Participating in the debate, Sarma said the Congress had failed to ensure passage of the women’s reservation bill despite being in power for decades, accusing the party of stalling progress whenever allies raised objections. He further alleged that the Congress had not supported the latest Constitutional amendment bill in April, which he said would have benefited Assam by both ensuring reservation and increasing the number of constituencies to enhance representation of indigenous communities.

Sarma framed the resolution as part of Assam’s legacy of honouring women, citing figures from goddess Kamakhya to Ahom princess Joymoti and freedom fighter Kanaklata, as well as the contribution of 40 lakh women associated with self-help groups across the state.