Congress President Criticizes BJP's Tactics on Women's Reservation Bill

Kharge Condemns BJP's Approach to Women's Reservation

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed strong disapproval of the BJP's strategy to link the Women's Reservation Bill to the 2011 census-based delimitation, labeling it a dangerous maneuver that punishes states like Tamil Nadu for effectively managing population growth. Speaking at an election rally in Velachery, Tamil Nadu, on April 21, Kharge welcomed the rejection of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha.

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He criticized the central government for refusing to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the bill. Kharge stated that the BJP's attempt to connect delimitation with women's reservation based on the 2011 census is a perilous game, implying that it punishes states like Tamil Nadu that have successfully controlled their population. The opposition stood united, with Congress taking the lead in Delhi, and parties like DMK, TMC, and SP working together to defeat the bill.

Kharge praised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, noting that he was among the first to voice opposition against the bill. He described the legislation as anti-people and anti-South, highlighting that Stalin tore and burned the bill in protest. This, he asserted, is a victory for every citizen of the country, representing a triumph for federalism and justice. He emphasized that Congress has ensured 33% reservation for women in panchayats and local bodies, a significant achievement not attributable to Prime Minister Modi.

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Kharge described the delimitation process as a betrayal of the nation, stressing that while the Women's Reservation Bill was passed unanimously in 2023, it has yet to be implemented. He questioned, "Why hasn't Prime Minister Modi enforced it? He kept it in cold storage for 30 months. I wrote three letters to Modi and Rijiju requesting the implementation of the bill, but they did not respond. I requested an all-party meeting, yet they held personal meetings instead. This is a betrayal of the country."