Amid waving black flags and holding placards in protest, more than 300 women entrepreneurs from across the country, gathered at the National Women Entrepreneurs Conclave organized by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), expressed deep anguish, anger, and unequivocal resentment against the Congress and other opposition parties for defeating the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

The protest, held in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, witnessed an unprecedented show of unity and determination among women entrepreneurs, who termed the development as a “historic betrayal” of the aspirations of India’s women.

The conclave unanimously passed a strongly worded resolution condemning what was described as a deliberate and calculated move by the opposition to deny women their long-overdue right to 33% reservation in Parliament and State Legislatures. The participants asserted that this action reflects a regressive mindset and a blatant disregard for women’s empowerment and equal participation in nation-building.

Addressing the gathering, Member of Parliament and CAIT Secretary General Shri Praveen Khandelwal launched a scathing attack on the Congress and opposition parties. He stated, “What the Congress and its allies are celebrating today is not a political victory, but a shameful and regressive assault on the rights and aspirations of the women of India. This so-called ‘victory’ stands as a dark blot on our democratic values and exposes the hollow commitment of these parties towards women empowerment.”

He further added, “By defeating the Women’s Reservation Bill, the opposition has willfully denied justice to half of the country’s population. This is not merely opposition to a Bill; it is a direct insult to every woman striving for dignity, equality, and rightful representation. The women of India will neither forget nor forgive this betrayal.”

The women entrepreneurs present at the conclave declared that this act will have far-reaching consequences, not only politically but also socially and economically, as it hampers the progress towards inclusive and balanced development. They emphasized that denying women representation in decision-making forums weakens the very foundation of democracy.

The conclave resolved to intensify its movement across the country, mobilizing women entrepreneurs and the trading community to raise awareness and hold accountable those who stood against women’s empowerment at this critical juncture.

The atmosphere at the conclave reflected a strong and clear message — that the women of India are united and resolute, and any attempt to undermine their rights will be met with firm and decisive resistance