Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has raised serious questions over the Centre's decision to link the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act to future delimitation. Questioning the government's intentions, she asked why the quota couldn't be implemented immediately without increasing the number of seats. Challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that no one fears losing their seat, Priyanka Gandhi stated that if this were true, there should be no hesitation in implementing the reservation without waiting for delimitation.
Attack on OBC Reservation and 'Technical Issue' Remark
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Priyanka Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for downplaying concerns regarding OBC representation within the women's reservation framework. ' Emphasizing that the OBC community represents a large section of society with a long history of struggle, she asserted that their demand for a rightful share can't be ignored and must be addressed seriously.
Concerns Over Delimitation and Democracy
Targeting the government on delimitation, Priyanka Gandhi asked what the PM was afraid of. She alleged that the PM wants to snatch the rights of OBCs and commit a great injustice against them, which the Congress party won't allow. Questioning the proposed 50% expansion of Parliament, she noted that no clear rules have been written regarding the change in state representation. Citing the example of Assam, where seats were allegedly cut and new boundaries created for political gain, she warned that the same would be done across the country. She claimed that if this bill passes in its current form, it would be an open attack on democracy and national integrity.
Historical Context of Women's Reservation
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlighted the historical roots of women's political rights in India, stating they were laid during the freedom movement. She referred to Motilal Nehru's 1928 report, which included a list of 19 fundamental rights. She also mentioned the 1931 Karachi Session of the Congress, chaired by Sardar Patel, where equal rights for women were formally recognized. She emphasized that the principle of 'one vote, one citizen, one value' has been part of India's political framework from the beginning.
Questions on Government Intent and Incomplete Details
Priyanka Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of providing incomplete details about the law in his parliamentary speech. She stated that the PM spoke as if the BJP had long supported the bill while claiming they didn't take credit for it. She described the move as a 'weak excuse' to remain in power and alleged that the government aims to create a Parliament lacking representation for backward classes. She concluded that an atmosphere is being created to put the opposition in a dilemma, balancing women's reservation against the exclusion of the OBC category.