Siddaramaiah Criticizes Modi Government Over Women's Reservation Bill Implementation
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has responded to accusations from the BJP, urging the Modi government to implement the Women's Reservation Act passed in 2023. He criticized the Prime Minister for not supporting social justice and questioned the delay in enacting the bill. Siddaramaiah also addressed concerns regarding the proposed delimitation based on the 2011 census, arguing it would unfairly benefit northern states over southern ones. His remarks highlight ongoing tensions in Indian politics regarding women's representation and social equity.
Apr 20, 2026, 17:34 IST
Response to BJP's Allegations
On Monday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed accusations made by the BJP against the Congress party, stating that the Modi administration should have promptly enacted the Women's Reservation Act passed in 2023. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that Congress has consistently advocated for greater representation of women in elected bodies, highlighting that it was the Congress government that introduced the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution, which led to the implementation of reservations for women in local governance.
Allegations Against Modi's Stance
Siddaramaiah asserted that Prime Minister Modi does not support social justice. He questioned the delay in implementing the Women's Reservation Bill, which was passed in 2023, asking why there was a need to wait. He dismissed Modi's claim that Congress and its allies had committed 'foeticide' by voting against the amendment bill related to delimitation based on the 2011 census. The Chief Minister accused the Prime Minister of having a discriminatory attitude and not being a proponent of social justice.
Opposition's Claims and Government's Rejection
Opposition leaders have alleged that the government aims to conduct delimitation based on the 2011 census to avoid considering caste data. However, the government has refuted these claims. Siddaramaiah questioned why, during nearly 12 years of BJP rule at the center, Modi had not implemented women's reservation in assemblies. He reiterated that it should still be enacted according to the 2023 Act and stated that delimitation of constituencies should occur post-census.
Concerns Over Delimitation and Women's Reservation
Referring to the delimitation bill associated with the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill, which faced strong opposition from parties in the Lok Sabha last week, he noted that the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats by 50% would be unjust to southern states. He pointed out that southern states have performed well in population control, unlike their northern counterparts, which would naturally benefit the latter while disadvantaging the former. The Congress leader accused the Prime Minister of politicizing the issue, asserting that there was no need to link women's reservation with delimitation, as the government was aware it lacked a two-thirds majority.