Jharkhand Coalition Condemns PM Modi's Address on Women's Reservation Bill
The ruling coalition in Jharkhand, comprising the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress, launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. This response followed the Prime Minister's national address on Saturday, where he accused the opposition of being anti-women. The controversy centers on the constitutional amendment bill for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, which failed to pass in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
JMM Accuses PM of Spreading Lies and Misleading the Nation
Reiterating its firm support for the women's reservation bill, the JMM asserted that Prime Minister Modi resorted to falsehoods in his speech, thereby misleading the country. JMM central general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya described the PM's address as a 'dirty' and 'shameful' political commentary. He elaborated, "In his 29-minute speech, Modi ji, standing before four tricolours, falsely claimed that the opposition blocked the bill's passage. The bill, passed in 2023, already secured women's reservation with a 33% quota. However, the government itself delayed its implementation by not fulfilling promises to complete the Census by 2025 and the delimitation exercise by 2026. The NDA government has humiliated the women of India by failing to deliver on these commitments and hiding the women's reservation bill behind the veil of delimitation."
Congress Criticizes PM's Address as Electrally Motivated
Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, president of the Jharkhand Congress unit, criticized the Prime Minister's address, stating it was not a genuine message to the nation but rather a speech aimed at electoral gain. He said, "The PM accused us of being anti-women, but Congress has always championed women in politics. From Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu, Nellie Sengupta, Indira Gandhi, to Sonia Gandhi, all have led the nation as national presidents of the Congress party." He reaffirmed the party's support for the reservation bill, which was passed with an overwhelming majority in 2023, mandating a 33% quota for women in the current 543 Lok Sabha seats.
Union Minister Sonowal Defends Modi Government's Record
In a counter-response, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal defended the Modi government's stance on Sunday. He claimed that for Congress, women's significance is limited to figures like Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, with no regard for other women. Sonowal stated, "On the other hand, Modi ji has been providing opportunities for women from every community to progress and actively ensuring the welfare of their families. The Modi government convened a special parliamentary session to secure 33% reservation for women and grant constitutional status to women's empowerment, yet Congress and its allies chose to insult women. As long as BJP and NDA remain in power, the women of this country are safe and secure."
Sonowal Attacks JMM-Led State Government on Women's Safety
Sonowal also targeted the JMM-led government in Jharkhand, alleging its failure in curbing atrocities against women. He asserted, "More than 10,000 incidents of rape have been reported under this administration. This government has failed to uphold the dignity and honor of women. Any political party aligning with Congress is inherently incapable of respecting women. When the NDA government was in power in the state, it never compromised the self-respect and dignity of women." This adds a layer of state-level political tension to the national debate over women's issues and governance.
