Rahul Gandhi Attacks Centre Over Women’s Bill; Calls It ‘Electoral Move’

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre during the debate on three bills. He alleged that the government is advancing its political agenda under the cover of the women’s reservation proposal.

Rahul Gandhi argued that the move has little to do with empowering women. He said it instead seeks to alter the country’s electoral framework.

“This is not a women’s reservation bill, and it has nothing to do with women’s empowerment. This is an attempt to change India’s electoral map under the guise of women’s rights. The Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023. Bring back the old bill, and we’ll support it,” Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi further alleged that the issue of women’s quota sidelines the caste census. He said it denies representation to marginalised and OBC communities.

“It is a shameful act because instead of giving reservations to them, the government is hiding behind reservations and using them as a garb to pursue its political objective,” he said, accusing the government of attempting to dilute representation.

Gandhi also claimed that the BJP is concerned about losing political ground and is therefore attempting to reconfigure the electoral landscape. He cited Assam and Jammu and Kashmir as examples and alleged that similar efforts are expanding nationwide.

“You have done it already in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, and the same is being done pan-India,” he said.

Highlighting concerns over a potential reduction in southern states’ representation after delimitation, Rahul Gandhi asserted that the Congress would strongly oppose the bills. He went on to describe the move as an ‘anti-national act.’

“You are telling Southern, Northern and other smaller states that in order to ensure that BJP remains in power, we are trying to take away your representation,” he stated.

Rahul Gandhi also questioned the government on the representation of OBCs and Dalits. He referred to institutions including the bureaucracy, judiciary and the private sector. He alleged a lack of adequate inclusion.

“I want to ask where the Dalits and OBCs are in India’s bureaucracy, judiciary, private sector, and also corporate India. You label them as Hindus but don’t give them space in legislative structure,” he said.

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