Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Slams Centre Over Women's Reservation Bill Process
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has launched a sharp critique against the central government regarding its handling of the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Sunday, Shivakumar emphasized that while the Congress party has always supported women's reservation in principle, it strongly objects to the manner in which the legislation was introduced and processed.
Criticism of Legislative Process
Shivakumar asserted that the opposition was not taken into confidence during the formulation of the bill, calling for wider consultation in what he described as a proper democratic process. "This is democracy; this is not a Hitler-style rule. They cannot bring it in the middle of elections and try to alter the entire constituencies," he stated forcefully.
He added that the bill should have been discussed with all political parties before being introduced in Parliament. "They have to take everyone into confidence, but they have not done that," Shivakumar remarked, noting that the INDIA bloc had demonstrated unity in opposing the government's approach to the legislation.
Background of the Defeated Bill
The deputy chief minister's comments came after a Constitution Amendment Bill seeking 33% reservation for women in legislatures was defeated in Parliament on Friday. The proposed legislation also included provisions to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816 by 2029. While 298 members supported the bill in the Lok Sabha, 230 voted against it, falling short of the required two-thirds majority of 352 votes needed for passage.
Under the defeated bill, delimitation based on the 2011 Census would have increased both Lok Sabha and state assembly seats to implement the women's quota. This aspect of the legislation has become particularly contentious.
Regional Representation Concerns
Shivakumar raised significant concerns about how the proposed changes could affect regional balance, particularly regarding representation from southern states. "Without consulting us, they are trying to redraw constituencies, giving more weight to North India and reducing representation in South India. This cannot be accepted," he declared.
He pointed out that Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with several southern chief ministers, had opposed the proposal due to these regional implications.
Response to BJP Criticism
Responding to criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shivakumar asserted that women are a national asset and not the property of any political party. He highlighted Congress measures in local bodies, claiming that his party had already ensured 50% reservation for women at that level of governance.
The deputy chief minister's remarks underscore the ongoing political tensions surrounding women's representation in Indian politics and the broader debate about democratic processes in legislative reform. The controversy highlights fundamental disagreements between the ruling party and opposition about how major constitutional changes should be approached and implemented.
