CHANDIGARH – In a move that has redefined the legislative landscape in Haryana, the Indian National Congress officially boycotted the special session of the State Assembly held on April 27, 2026. The session, convened by the ruling BJP government, was centered on a resolution concerning the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam—a piece of legislation that has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing debate over women’s political empowerment and constitutional processes in India.
By choosing to skip the proceedings, the Congress party has signaled a firm commitment to a “policy-first” approach, arguing that the assembly should focus on immediate implementation and local welfare rather than serving as a platform for political maneuvering.
A Principled Protest: Why Congress Stayed Away
Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a veteran voice in Haryana politics, articulated the party’s stance with clarity. For the Congress, the boycott was not a rejection of women’s reservation—a cause the party has championed for decades—but a protest against the “hollow symbolism” and “political propaganda” they believe the session represented.
Speaking to reporters outside the Vidhan Sabha, Hooda raised several critical points that defined the party’s decision:
- A Call for Immediate Action: Congress leaders pointed out that the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in 2023. They questioned why the ruling government delayed the administrative notification until April 16, 2026, and why it remains tied to the lengthy process of census and delimitation.
- Demanding Inclusivity (OBC Quota): A major pillar of the Congress’s advocacy is the demand for a “quota within a quota” for Other Backward Classes (OBC). The party argues that any reservation policy is incomplete and unjust if it does not specifically empower women from marginalized social backgrounds.
- Preserving Legislative Sanctity: The Opposition argued that the special session was a misuse of public funds. Hooda stated that the Assembly is a forum for “matters of public interest,” such as the regularization of 1.20 lakh HKRNL employees and addressing rural distress, rather than passing resolutions intended to condemn political opponents.
The “Mock Assembly”: Taking Issues to the People
In a striking display of democratic dissent, Congress MLAs did not simply go home. Instead, they organized a “Mock Vidhan Sabha” session outside the assembly building. This alternative forum allowed the party to debate the issues they felt the official session was ignoring.
By holding this mock session, the Congress effectively bypassed the government’s narrative, focusing on the state’s internal challenges—including unemployment, the status of local body elections, and the rights of clerical staff. This move served to highlight their role as a “watchdog” for the people of Haryana, ensuring that the government remains accountable for its local governance record.
Narrative Clash: Symbols vs. Substance
The ruling government, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, was quick to label the boycott as “anti-women.” However, the Congress has countered this by positioning itself as the party of “genuine empowerment.” They noted that while the BJP holds special sessions, the Congress has actively implemented women’s representation at the grassroots, pointing to their history of ticket distribution in local bodies as evidence of their commitment.
“We are ready to support the resolution if they implement the reservation immediately,” Hooda stated. “But they are using the House to play politics. We will not allow the Vidhan Sabha platform to be used for the political ploys of the BJP.”
Looking Forward: The Path to the Next Election
The events of late April 2026 suggest that the debate over the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will be a central theme in the upcoming electoral battles. The Congress’s strategy of boycotting the session and demanding a “caste census-linked” reservation reflects a broader national strategy to unite social justice with gender equality.
As the political temperature in Chandigarh rises, the Congress party remains focused on shifting the conversation from symbolic resolutions to concrete results. By refusing to participate in what they term “political theatre,” they have chosen to stand on the ground of legislative accountability, challenging the government to move beyond words and into the realm of immediate, inclusive implementation for the women of Haryana.
