Amit Shah, Akhilesh Yadav Clash In Lok Sabha Over Women’s Bill, Census Row

A sharp exchange unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Akhilesh Yadav questioned the Centre’s urgency in introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill. He raised concerns over the absence of a recent Census and alleged that the government is avoiding a caste-based enumeration.

The debate came as the Centre introduced the Bill during the ongoing special session of Parliament.

Participating in the debate, Akhilesh Yadav said, “Why is the Centre rushing for women’s reservation? Start with the Census first,” while reiterating that his party supports women’s reservation in principle but opposes its implementation through delimitation.

Akhilesh Yadav further alleged that the government is deliberately delaying the Census to avoid triggering demands for a caste census and expansion of reservations.

“They are delaying the census because when it happens, we will ask for the caste-based census, and they don’t want it,” he remarked.

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav also opposed the proposed Bills on constitutional grounds. He alleged that they attempt to distort the Constitution by separating delimitation from the Census process.

Yadav added that the party would not support the Bill unless provisions for Other Backwards Classes and Muslim women are included.

Responding to the criticism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Census exercise has already begun. He assured that the government will also conduct a caste-based Census.

“The Census process has already started across the country, and after that, we will also conduct a caste-based census. Currently, the House Listing is underway; homes don’t belong to a certain caste. If SP has its way, it will also designate a caste for homes. I want to assure the House that the Census is going to happen with the caste census as well,” he said.

Amit Shah asserted that reservation based on religion is not permissible under the Constitution.

“Based on religion, reservation of any kind for Muslims is unconstitutional,” he stated.

In response, Akhilesh Yadav questioned whether the Muslim population falls outside the 50 per cent reservation cap.

“We are not stopping the Samajwadi Party from giving all their tickets to Muslim women,” Shah replied.

The exchange grew heated before Om Birla intervened, urging members to maintain decorum.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Clears Introduction Of Women’s Reservation Bill After Division Vote