Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has stepped up his attack on the Centre over the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, urging the government to put the legislation into effect without attaching it to the delimitation exercise.
Gandhi’s remarks came after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asked the Congress to support the women’s reservation law “unconditionally”, intensifying the political exchange between the ruling party and the Opposition.
Rahul Gandhi Questions Delay in Women’s Reservation Law
Responding to Rijiju, Gandhi argued that the legislation had already received unanimous parliamentary approval in 2023, with the Congress backing it.
“Mr. Rijiju, who would know better than you, as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs that the Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 has already been passed unanimously, with the full support of the Congress,” Gandhi said.
He questioned why the law had not yet been implemented and objected to its proposed connection with delimitation.
“The question is, why has it still not been implemented even after three years, and why do you now want to unnecessarily link it to delimitation?” he said.
Gandhi then called on the government to implement the legislation immediately.
“Implement the 2023 law. Without any conditions,” he added.
Kiren Rijiju Calls for Congress Support
The political exchange followed Rijiju’s response to a video shared by Gandhi on women’s participation and freedom of expression.
Rijiju described Gandhi’s recent remarks as positive and suggested that there had been a change in his approach towards issues concerning women.
“I hope the Congress Party will support the Women’s Reservation Bill unconditionally,” Rijiju said.
The statement prompted Gandhi to reiterate the Congress position that the reservation provisions should not be held up by other constitutional processes.
What Does the Women’s Reservation Law Provide?
The legislation, officially known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, was passed by Parliament in 2023. It provides for one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
However, its implementation is tied to the completion of delimitation following the first census conducted after the law came into force.
The Congress and several Opposition parties have supported the principle of greater representation for women but have criticised the decision to link implementation with delimitation.
Gandhi Says Women’s Voices Are Crucial for India
Gandhi has also recently spoken about the need for greater freedom and participation for women in Indian society.
He argued that the country cannot achieve its full potential unless women are able to express themselves freely, challenge existing social norms and participate equally in public life.
