Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Condemns Opposition for Blocking Women's Reservation Amendment
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched a sharp critique against Opposition parties on Sunday, blaming them for the defeat of a Constitution amendment brought by the central BJP government to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. The act promises 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, a landmark move aimed at enhancing female representation in Indian politics.
Special Session and Amendment Bills
During a special parliamentary session held from April 16 to 18, the BJP-led government tabled three amendment bills to the women's reservation act. These amendments were intricately tied to delimitation and the national census, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage as a Constitution amendment. However, the treasury side failed to secure this majority, leading to the defeat of the move.
On Sunday, Gupta placed the onus squarely on the Opposition parties, asserting that their vote against the amendment bills had exposed their anti-woman nature. Speaking at a press conference held at the Delhi BJP office, she took a direct dig at Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Those who raised the slogan of 'Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon' have deserted women by defeating the bill, Gupta stated. They claim it to be a victory of democracy, while women and their self-respect were defeated.
Opposition's Stance and Demands
According to Gupta, the Opposition parties were determined to ensure the bill did not pass in the Lok Sabha, raising various issues such as delimitation and the interests of southern states to justify their position. One of their key demands was that the women's quota should be implemented within the current strength of the Lok Sabha, which stands at 543 seats.
Do they have a list of 180 male MPs who are prepared to give up their seats for women? she questioned, highlighting the practical challenges of such an implementation.
Congress's Counter-Arguments
Congress leaders swiftly countered these allegations, clarifying that they had defeated the delimitation bill, not voted against women's reservation itself. Delhi Congress president Devendra Yadav emphasized, The women's bill was not defeated in Parliament. Rather, the Opposition defeated the delimitation bill, which BJP sought to impose on the country.
Congress functionary Jairam Ramesh added, If the BJP government is sincere, they should enact legislation and immediately provide reservation for women within the existing 543 seats.
Further criticism came from Congress functionary Alka Lamba, who stated, Congress has exposed BJP's conspiracy to pass the delimitation bill under the guise of the women's reservation bill. Similarly, Congress functionary Deepender Hooda called for the BJP government to implement 33% reservation for women in the current 543 Lok Sabha seats without delay.
Voting Outcome and Political Implications
The Constitution amendment bill, which aimed to implement reservation for women in legislatures by 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats, was defeated in the Lower House on Friday. The voting results showed 298 members in support and 230 MPs against it.
Out of the 528 members who participated in the vote, the bill required 352 votes to achieve a two-thirds majority. The Opposition parties, including the Congress, collectively voted against the bill, leading to its failure. This outcome has sparked significant political debate, with accusations flying between the ruling and opposition camps over the true intent and impact of the legislation.
The defeat highlights the ongoing tensions in Indian politics regarding women's representation and the complexities of constitutional amendments. As both sides trade barbs, the future of women's reservation remains uncertain, with calls for immediate action clashing with procedural and political hurdles.
