CM Rekha Gupta wears black band in protest, calls Parliament developments ‘painful’

Opposition has denied women their rights; daughters of the country will demand answers: CM Rekha Gupta

Public will give a fitting reply to anti-women politics: Gupta

Strong sloganeering on women’s rights at CAIT summit

New Delhi, April 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta slammed the failure to pass the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Loksabha, calling it a direct injustice to women. Referring to the developments in Parliament on April 17, she said the episode was ‘painful and deeply disappointing’ for every woman who hopes for dignity and equal rights.

Registering a sharp protest, Gupta wore a black band at a summit organised by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), targeting what she termed the Opposition’s anti-women politics. The event witnessed intense sloganeering, led by the Chief Minister, in support of women’s rights. She said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji had introduced the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to ensure women’s participation in nation-building and bring them into the mainstream of decision-making. Calling it a historic and transformative reform, Gupta said it was unfortunate that some parties chose narrow politics over women’s empowerment and opposed the move.

“As a woman Chief Minister, this is not merely political, it is about dignity and sensitivity,” she said, adding that a crucial opportunity to give crores of women a role in decision-making had been taken away. Gupta said the arguments put forward by parties opposing women’s reservation lacked substance and reflected a clear anti-women mindset. She warned that women and daughters across the country would demand answers from such leaders in their own constituencies.

The Chief Minister also alleged that this was not the first time the Congress and its allies had obstructed women’s empowerment, saying their approach exposed their real intent. “Women are watching and understanding everything. This injustice will not go unanswered,” she said, asserting that the country has changed and women will now claim their rights.

Speaking at the National Women Entrepreneurs Summit 2026 organised by CAIT, Gupta also highlighted the growing influence of women entrepreneurs. She said India’s startup ecosystem is scaling new heights under the Prime Minister’s leadership, with women increasingly making their presence felt across small businesses, startups, digital platforms and global markets.

She emphasised that women are not just participating but leading, emerging as a driving force of economic growth. Their innovation, self-reliance and leadership, she said, are shaping India’s future. Government initiatives have provided a strong platform for women’s advancement, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam reflects that commitment, one that, she added, should have been implemented widely but was stalled due to the Opposition’s narrow approach.

At the event, women entrepreneurs also voiced strong anger over the Bill not being passed. They openly protested against the Opposition, raised slogans, and termed the development unjust to women’s rights. In a united voice, they said women are now fully aware and will continue to oppose such decisions through democratic means. Gupta said women in India have come a long way through struggle, and the time has now come for them to stay aware, unite, raise their voice and ensure their participation in decision-making.

The event was attended by Chandni Chowk MP and CAIT National General Secretary Shri Praveen Khandelwal, along with a large number of women entrepreneurs, who shared their experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India’s growth. The Chief Minister extended her best wishes and reiterated that the Delhi government remains fully committed to women’s empowerment and women-led development.