Congress and BJP Clash Over Women’s Reservation Bill
Demand for OBC Reservation
In a heated debate in the Lok Sabha, the Congress and the BJP squared off on the Women’s Reservation Bill. Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress chief, passionately supported the bill but demanded reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) within the proposed 33% quota for women legislators. She revealed the bill held emotional significance for her as her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, had initially introduced a similar bill for women’s reservation in local bodies.
Historical Perspective
Sonia Gandhi emphasized the long journey of Indian women, from confined kitchens to illuminated stadiums, and their substantial contributions to India’s independence struggle and nation-building. She pointed out that Rajiv Gandhi’s dream of women’s reservation had only been partially realized, urging immediate implementation of the bill.
Congress’s Demands
Expressing support for the bill, Sonia Gandhi questioned the delay in granting women their rights, urging swift implementation. She called for a caste census and provisions for reservations for women from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). She stressed that any delay would be a grave injustice to women.
BJP’s Response
In response, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey highlighted that the bill already included provisions for reservations for women from SC and ST communities. He accused Congress and the opposition of neglecting the bill in the past, suggesting their newfound interest was politically motivated. Dubey commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the bill and called it the right time for its passage.
Constitutional Significance
Dubey underscored the importance of the Constitution and criticized Congress for claiming credit for women’s reservation in local bodies without addressing the OBC reservation. He questioned the Congress’s call for immediate implementation without conducting a census and delimitation. He asserted that the bill, now tabled, would grant women their rights as promised.
The Women’s Reservation Bill
The Women’s Reservation Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha, seeks to provide 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies nationwide. It is anticipated to receive support from some opposition members, including the Congress, and pass in both Houses.
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