Congress Leader Slams Modi Government Over Women's Reservation Bill Controversy
In a sharp critique of the central government, Dakshina Kannada District Mahila Congress (urban) president S Appi has asserted that the opposition played a crucial role in safeguarding democracy by thwarting the Centre's attempt to pass the delimitation bill alongside the women's reservation bill. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Mangaluru, Appi emphasized that this move by the opposition prevented what she described as a significant injustice to South India.
Allegations of Injustice and Lack of Fair Representation
Appi argued that had the delimitation bill been passed in conjunction with the women's reservation bill, it would have severely disadvantaged South India, depriving women in the region of equitable political representation. She contended that if the women's reservation bill had been introduced independently, it would have been successfully enacted, thereby enhancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stature. However, she questioned the necessity of linking the two bills, alleging that Modi attempted to push through the delimitation proposal without permitting sufficient parliamentary discussion.
"Apart from attacking the Congress, he has not spoken in favour of women," Appi stated, accusing the Prime Minister of neglecting women's issues in his rhetoric. She urged the Centre to promptly implement the women's reservation bill that was passed in 2023, highlighting its importance for gender equality in politics.
Congress's Track Record on Women's Empowerment
Appi further defended the Congress party's legacy on women's issues, asserting that BJP functionaries lack the moral authority to lecture the Congress on this front. She pointed out that the Congress has historically championed women's leadership, having provided the country with a woman Prime Minister, a woman President, and a woman Speaker. Additionally, she cited several welfare measures undertaken by the Congress for women's benefit, contrasting this with what she described as the BJP's insufficient moral standing to criticize the party.
"The Congress has a proven record of empowering women through both leadership roles and policy initiatives," Appi remarked, reinforcing her argument that the BJP's criticisms are unfounded. She called for a renewed focus on implementing the women's reservation bill to ensure fair representation across all regions of India.
