Rahul Gandhi Critiques Government's Women’s Reservation Bill as Anti-National

In a recent Lok Sabha debate, Rahul Gandhi condemned the government's women's reservation bill, asserting it is a ploy to alter India's electoral map at the expense of smaller states. He emphasized that the bill does not genuinely empower women and accused the government of undermining OBC representation. Gandhi's remarks highlight a significant political contention, as he pledges to protect the representation of southern and northeastern states against what he describes as an anti-national act. His call for the reinstatement of the 2023 Women’s Reservation Act adds to the urgency of the debate surrounding women's empowerment in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 16:44 IST

Opposition Leader's Strong Stance

New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding the constitution amendment bill, asserting that it does not genuinely address women's reservation. Instead, he claims it aims to alter the electoral landscape of India by diminishing representation from southern, northeastern, and smaller states, labeling it as an 'anti-national act'.

During a Lok Sabha debate concerning three bills aimed at amending the women's quota law and establishing a delimitation commission, Gandhi stated, 'This is not a women's bill; it lacks any connection to the empowerment of women.'

He further alleged that the bill is a guise to manipulate the electoral map of the nation while pretending to advocate for women's rights.

Gandhi urged the government to reinstate the 2023 Women’s Reservation Act for immediate implementation, offering the Opposition's support for its passage.

He accused the government of sidelining OBC representation, suggesting that this is part of a broader agenda, and claimed that the caste census is being manipulated to ensure it does not affect representation for the next 15 years.

'They are fearful of losing their power and are attempting to reshape the political landscape of India,' he remarked.

Gandhi asserted that the government is effectively communicating to southern, northeastern, and smaller states that the BJP intends to reduce their representation to maintain its hold on power.

He reiterated that the government's actions are tantamount to an 'anti-national act'.

'We will not permit this; the entire Opposition stands united to thwart this initiative. I assure the southern, northeastern, and smaller states that we will protect your representation in the Union of India,' he declared.

Gandhi suggested that the BJP is aware that the bill is unlikely to pass, characterizing its introduction as a 'panic reaction' from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who aims to alter India's electoral map while projecting a pro-women image.

In response to disruptions from the ruling party regarding his references to Modi in relation to various national issues, Gandhi stated, 'The BJP believes they represent the people of India and the armed forces. They are neither; they should not conceal themselves behind the populace or the military.'

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which seeks to amend the women's quota law, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a vote.

Additionally, two ordinary bills—the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill—were presented to facilitate the proposed amended women's quota law in the Union territories of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir.