Akhilesh Yadav Slams Women's Reservation Bill as 'Baseless' Over Outdated Census Data
In a sharp critique of the BJP-led central government, Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday declared the proposed Women's Reservation Bill as fundamentally 'baseless', arguing it relies on population statistics that are over a decade old. Speaking from Lucknow, Yadav demanded that any reservation for women must be based on their present population share to ensure accurate and fair representation.
Flawed Foundation: The 2011 Census Controversy
Akhilesh Yadav emphasized that the bill's premise—which grants 33% reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies—is built on data from the 2011 census. 'When the head count is flawed, how can the reservation be calculated correctly?' he questioned. He added, 'When the very intentions behind doing something are doubtful, it raises suspicion behind the entire move. Actually, the very basis of the women reservation bill is baseless.'
His comments came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an extension of the Budget session of Parliament by three days to facilitate the implementation of the law enacted in 2023, scheduled to take effect from 2029. Yadav countered this by stating that the proposal rests on the fact that women constitute a major portion of the population, but using outdated figures undermines its validity.
Call for Census Completion Before Implementation
In a post on X, Akhilesh Yadav outlined his primary objection: 'Hence my biggest objection is that the first census should be completed and then on the basis of the population of women reservation should be accorded.' He accused the BJP and its allies of attempting to 'hoodwink the women and dupe them', vowing that his party would not allow such a move. 'There should be no debate on the women reservation bill till the census is completed,' he asserted.
Dismissing Political Motives and Ensuring Genuine Representation
Samajwadi Party functionaries dismissed allegations that their opposition stems from concerns over the bill impacting the party's prospects in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. An SP representative clarified, 'Another baseless charge. The law is proposed to be implemented from 2029 and the elections will be held in 2027. Our only concern is that this reservation to women must not be half baked and half hearted. We should get completed the census which is presently underway and then move ahead.'
This stance highlights the party's focus on ensuring that the reservation is not merely symbolic but rooted in accurate, current data to provide rightful representation for women across India.
