On April 19, 2026, at Sangolli Rayanna Circle in Hubballi, the Hubballi–Dharwad Municipal District Janata Dal (Secular) Women’s Wing staged a strong protest against the Congress party’s opposition to the Women’s Reservation Bill.
The bill, which seeks to provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, was described by JD(S) leaders as a long overdue measure for justice and equality.
District President Gururaj Hunasimarad addressed the gathering and said, “Congress has betrayed women by opposing this bill.
They have always denied justice to women, Dalits, Muslims, and backward communities.” He reminded the crowd that former Prime Minister H.D. DeveGowda first introduced the Women’s Reservation Bill in 1995–96, aiming to secure 33% representation for women in national politics.
Our sources confirmed that speakers recalled DeveGowda’s legacy as Chief Minister of Karnataka, when he implemented 33% reservation for women in Zilla Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats, and Urban Local Bodies.
Leaders argued that this grassroots empowerment proved women’s leadership potential, and the same principle must now be extended to Parliament and State Assemblies.
Women’s District President Poornima Saudatti said, “Congress has exposed its anti-women stance. By opposing representation, they have shown their true face. The women of this country must rise against this injustice.”
Basavaraj Padayatri, State Sevadal President, compared Congress’s actions to the British suppression of Kittur Rani Chennamma, claiming that Congress was weakening women’s power in modern India.
He urged the President of India to immediately implement 33% reservation to fulfill Deve Gowda’s vision. “This is not just politics—it is about dignity and equal opportunity,” he added.
We talked to a local participant who said, “This protest is about our future. Women deserve their rightful place in decision-making.”
The protest saw participation from several women leaders, including corporators Lakshmi Hindasageri, Ratna Baddi, Saraswati Kattimani, Pooja Menasinakai, and others.
District JD(S) leaders such as Manjunath Hagedar, Siddhu Mahantodyar, Shankar Pawar, and Vinayak Galioddar also joined the demonstration.
Women’s reservation has been a long-pending demand in Indian politics, with multiple attempts made over the past three decades. The Hubballi protest adds to the growing national pressure on lawmakers to act swiftly and ensure fair representation for women.
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