In a parliamentary showdown today, the Lok Sabha witnessed a spirited exchange between the Congress and the BJP regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill. Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress chief, delivered a poignant speech, advocating for the inclusion of Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the 33% women’s reservation quota. She also shared a personal note, revealing the emotional significance of this bill as her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, had originally proposed legislation for women’s reservation in local governing bodies.
Speaking passionately in Hindi, Mrs. Gandhi emphasized the remarkable journey of Indian women from the confines of smoke-filled kitchens to the grand stages of sporting arenas. She underscored the pivotal role played by women during the struggle for India’s independence and its subsequent transformation into a modern nation.
“Speaking on this bill is an emotional moment for me because the constitutional amendment providing reservation for women in local bodies had first been tabled by my husband, Rajiv Gandhi,” she remarked. However, Mrs. Gandhi expressed concern over the prolonged wait for women to secure their rights, demanding immediate implementation of the bill and a comprehensive caste census to facilitate reservations for women from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBC communities.
In response, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey defended the government’s actions, pointing out that the bill already includes provisions for women from SC and ST communities. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to table the bill during a special session, asserting that it is the right moment to grant women the respect and reservation they deserve.
Taking a critical stance against the Congress, Dubey accused the party of introducing new elements for political purposes. He questioned their demand to implement the reservation from 2024 without first conducting a census and delimitation. Dubey firmly stated, “The PM says he finishes what he starts. And now that the bill has been tabled, women will get their rights, and no one can stop it.”
The constitutional amendment bill, presented in the Lok Sabha, seeks to secure 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. It is anticipated to receive support from some opposition members, including the Congress, and pass through both Houses.
This parliamentary debate exemplifies the complexities of legislating on women’s representation, emphasizing the crucial need to balance the interests of various communities while advancing gender equality in India’s political landscape.
