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| Women’s quota row explodes: BJP, Cong face off on streets, clash averted at last minute | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 22: The political battle over the contentious women’s reservation issue spilled onto the streets on Wednesday, as ruling BJP and opposition Congress workers came dangerously close to a direct clash in Jammu, forcing a heavy police intervention to avert a potential clash.
What began as a war of words between the two parties has now escalated into an aggressive street confrontation, with both sides digging in and vowing to intensify their agitation in the coming days. The developments signal a deepening political flashpoint that could spiral further.
The BJP and Congress have been locked in a bitter blame game over the fate of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. While the ruling BJP accused the Congress of deliberately sabotaging the legislation, the opposition hit back, alleging that the BJP was indulging in “deceitful tactics” to mislead the public—particularly women voters—on the issue.
The simmering tensions reached a flashpoint on Wednesday when the BJP organised a massive ‘Nari Shakti Akrosh Rally’ at Maharaja Hari Singh Park. Energised by fiery speeches, a large number of BJP women workers marched towards the Congress headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk, raising slogans and demanding accountability.
Sensing the escalation, Congress workers too mobilised in large numbers outside their party office, preparing to counter the BJP’s show of strength. The charged atmosphere quickly turned volatile, with both groups coming face-to-face, raising the spectre of a violent confrontation in the heart of the city.
Police forces, already deployed in anticipation of trouble, swung into action and formed barricades between the two groups. Senior officers intervened swiftly, preventing the situation from spiralling out of control and dispersing the crowds before any physical clash could erupt.
Despite the narrow escape, the confrontation has set the stage for a prolonged political showdown. Leaders from both camps have made it clear that they are not backing down, with plans to intensify protests and take the issue to the grassroots level.
Political observers warn that the women’s reservation issue—once confined to parliamentary debate—has now transformed into a potent street-level flashpoint, with the potential to trigger further unrest if tempers continue to flare. |
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