Conspiracy to hijack Panchayati Raj elections, funds looted — Congress government has held democracy hostage
Shimla, April 22, 2026: BJP State President Rajeev Bindal, while addressing a press conference, launched a sharp attack on the Congress party and the state government. He said that the developments in Parliament regarding the Nari Shakti Vandan Act have fully exposed the anti-women mindset of Congress.
He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had convened a special session of Parliament to ensure women’s participation in governance, but Congress and its allies crushed this historic opportunity.
Dr. Bindal said that over the past 10–12 years, the Modi government has taken several concrete steps for the economic, social, and educational empowerment of women, and now the time had come to give them a role in policymaking. He added that this was the moment to hand over the keys of power to 50 percent of the population, but Congress betrayed 70 crore women at this crucial juncture.
He alleged that Congress kept the issue of women’s reservation pending for 40 years and, when the time came for implementation, stood like a wall against it. He also criticized the reported celebrations after the bill fell, saying it proves Congress is opposed to women’s rights.
Targeting Congress leaders in Himachal Pradesh, he said they are not taking a clear stand on the issue and are making evasive statements. He added that this amounts to open support against women’s rights and that the women of Himachal will respond on the streets.
Dr. Bindal announced that a Jan Aakrosh Padyatra will be taken out in Shimla on April 23, in which thousands of women will protest against Congress. He described it as a decisive fight for women’s dignity and rights.
Speaking on another issue, Dr. Bindal accused the Himachal Pradesh government of deliberately influencing and attempting to hijack Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections. He said the Congress government made every possible effort to delay elections and disrupt the constitutional process.
He claimed that the Election Commission had to send a 35-page letter to the Governor, clearly stating that the state government was not cooperating. He termed it an attempt to hold democracy hostage, which was stopped due to court intervention.
Dr. Bindal further alleged that the state government forcibly diverted funds meant for Panchayats and urban bodies, received from the Finance Commission. He said that by taking away development funds from villages and cities, the Congress government stalled development, and it is still unclear where the money was spent.
He added that this step not only halted development works but also undermined the powers of local representatives, calling it not just an administrative failure but a direct assault on democracy.
Welcoming the announcement of urban local body elections, he said it is a victory for the people and the judiciary, and a defeat of the Congress government’s negative politics. He expressed confidence that Panchayati Raj elections will also be announced soon and that the public will give a fitting reply to Congress.
In conclusion, he said that on one side is the Modi government, which wants to empower women, and on the other is Congress, which is engaged in snatching rights and hijacking democracy, and now the people will decide.