Dehradun
Pushkar Singh Dhami launched a strong critique of the Opposition during a special Assembly session focused on women’s empowerment, while advocating for greater representation of women in governance.
Speaking at the session themed Nari Samman, Loktantra mein Adhikar, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of the Women’s Reservation (Amendment) Bill and praised the contribution of women in shaping society and the state.
Addressing the Assembly in Uttarakhand, Dhami expressed gratitude to participants and paid tribute to those who played a role in the formation of the state. He also acknowledged the vital contributions of women in strengthening Uttarakhand’s social and cultural foundation.
Emphasising the significance of the proposed legislation, he urged members across party lines to support the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, describing it as a crucial step toward ensuring equal participation of women in democratic institutions.
Drawing from India’s rich cultural traditions, Dhami highlighted how women are revered in the country’s spiritual ethos. Referring to revered deities such as Maa Durga, Maa Lakshmi, and Maa Saraswati, he said that respect for women is deeply embedded in the nation’s cultural consciousness. He argued that this cultural reverence must translate into tangible empowerment through policy and representation.
The Chief Minister also cited several prominent women who have left a lasting impact on India’s history and progress. He referred to Rani Lakshmi Bai as a symbol of courage, Savitribai Phule as a pioneer of education and social reform, and Kalpana Chawla as an inspiration in the field of science and exploration. According to him, these figures exemplify the leadership and resilience that women bring to every sphere of life.
Focusing on Uttarakhand’s own history, Dhami highlighted the contributions of regional icons such as Tilu Rauteli, Jiya Rani, Rani Karnavati, and Gaura Devi. He noted that these women demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership, from resisting invasions to protecting the environment during movements like the Chipko Movement.
Concluding his address, Dhami asserted that women have consistently proven their capabilities across all fields and emphasized that providing them with opportunities would further strengthen the nation.
