CHANDIGARH – High drama unfolded on the streets of the capital Saturday as hundreds of BJP Mahila Morcha activists clashed with the Chandigarh Police. The activists were attempting to gherao (encircle) the official residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during a massive ‘Jan Akrosh March.’
The Core Grievance
The protest was organized to condemn the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) refusal to support the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament. BJP leaders framed the march as a fight for the political dignity and representation of women, accusing the AAP of “hypocrisy” regarding gender equality.
Escalation at the Barricades
The march commenced from the Punjab BJP headquarters, with protesters carrying placards and shouting slogans against the state government. However, the momentum was halted just a few hundred meters from the Chief Minister’s residence, where a heavy police contingent had established multi-layered security cordons.
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The Standoff: When protesters tried to breach the barricades, a heated exchange broke out.
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Physical Altercation: In the ensuing chaos, scuffles were reported between the police and women activists as the latter tried to climb the steel structures.
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The Refusal: State President of the Mahila Morcha, Jay Inder Kaur, confronted senior police officials on the spot, demanding passage to the CM’s gates. The police remained firm, citing security protocols and the prohibitory orders in place.
“A Betrayal of Nari Shakti”
Speaking to the media amidst the agitation, Jay Inder Kaur lashed out at the AAP leadership.
“The Aam Aadmi Party has shown its true face by withholding support for the Women’s Reservation Bill. Today, the women of Punjab have come out to tell the Chief Minister that we will not tolerate this betrayal of Nari Shakti (Women Power). We are here to demand answers, not to be pushed back by force.”
Quick Facts: The Jan Akrosh March
| Entity | Details |
| Organizer | BJP Mahila Morcha, Punjab Unit |
| Primary Target | Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann |
| Key Demand | Support for the Women’s Reservation Bill |
| Location | Sector 37 (BJP HQ) to Sector 2, Chandigarh |
| Security Response | Water cannons on standby; multi-tier barricading |
Current Situation
As of late Saturday afternoon, the area remains heavily guarded. While the march was successfully intercepted, the BJP Mahila Morcha has threatened to intensify its protests across various districts of Punjab if the AAP does not clarify its stance on the reservation issue. No serious injuries were reported during the scuffle, though several activists were briefly detained before being released.
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