Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Saturday accused the Congress party of consistently opposing reservations, including women's reservation. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Joshi said, 'Former Prime Minister Nehru opposed SC-ST reservations, and Rajiv Gandhi opposed OBC reservations. Now, by opposing women's reservation, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have once again proved that Congress is an anti-reservation and anti-women government.'
Congress's Stance on Delimitation
Joshi criticized Congress's argument that constituency delimitation based on the census would be unfair to southern and smaller states. 'They repeatedly differentiate between South India and North India, and now they are showing the same behaviour in the delimitation issue. If Congress had a real problem with the delimitation issue, why did they delimit BBMP?' he questioned.
The Union minister further stated that the central government has taken up both constituency delimitation based on the 2011 census and 33% women's reservation together. However, Congress is opposing it out of fear of losing public trust, he claimed.
On Lok Sabha Seat Expansion
Joshi argued that whether there are 543 or 850 Lok Sabha seats, the voters remain the same. 'In one constituency, there are 40-50 lakh voters. It is impossible for one MP to reach everyone. Doesn't Congress realise this? This is not a new issue but was discussed for four decades. The first attempt was made when Deve Gowda was the prime minister, and BJP supported it then too, but Congress opposed it. Later, during the UPA government's tenure, the bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with BJP's support. However, the bill was never brought to the Lok Sabha. Hence, Congress has consistently betrayed women. Regarding the 33% reservation, we are creating awareness among women. Discussions are ongoing about the future struggle.'
He added that special provisions and reservations are necessary, and regardless of delimitation, Congress's defeat is certain.
Response to Mallikarjun Kharge
Retorting to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Joshi said that Kharge has spent his entire political career in the legislative assembly, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. 'Despite this, Kharge has stooped to a low level by calling PM Modi a terrorist,' he said.
Mayor Jyothi Patil, Seema Ladwa, Akkamma Hegde, Uma, Nagarathna Ballari, Shanta Niravani and other functionaries were present at the press conference.
