Overview

• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed women had to compromise their dignity for government jobs during Congress rule, citing findings from the Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission report.
• The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Sarma to apologize, warning of legal action in every district if he fails to do so.
• Congress leaders condemned the remarks as defamatory and politically motivated, highlighting the contributions of women appointed during their tenure.
• Sarma defended his statement, asserting it was based on a witness account in the commission report and urging critics to address their objections to the commission.
• Congress escalated its response on April 30 by organizing statewide protests, petitioning the National Commission for Women, and mobilizing legal and civil society efforts.