RJD MP Recalls Dramatic 1998 Incident of Tearing Women's Reservation Bill
As Parliament convenes to deliberate on the Women's Reservation Bill, RJD's Jehanabad MP Surendra Prasad Yadav has stirred memories by recounting a pivotal moment from 1998. In a nostalgic reflection, Yadav described how he snatched a copy of the Bill from then Home Minister L.K. Advani and tore it to pieces, an act that left the House in stunned silence.
Impulsive Action Against Quota Concerns
The incident occurred on July 13, 1998, and according to Yadav, it was not premeditated but rather an impulsive response. He emphasized that his actions were driven by a belief that the Bill failed to address the needs of Other Backward Classes (OBC) women. Yadav argued that a quota within a quota was essential to ensure fair representation, as women from all societal sections make up 50% of the population and deserve an equal share of legislative seats.
Government's Response and Vajpayee's Intervention
Yadav claims that the government at the time, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, handled the incident with composure. He recounted that Vajpayee later invited him to discuss the matter, listening to his perspective. In a notable anecdote, Yadav mentioned that Vajpayee even reprimanded one of his secretaries, who is now a Union minister, for not adequately briefing him on the issue, highlighting the Prime Minister's engagement with dissenting views.
Current Stance and Personal Shifts
When asked about his position on the current discussions surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, Yadav stated that he would adhere to his party's official stand. Additionally, the MP, known for his interest in arms, revealed a personal change: he has lost interest in weapons and has sought permission to sell his licensed firearms, marking a shift in his priorities over the years.
This recollection comes at a critical time as Parliament re-engages with the long-pending Women's Reservation Bill, underscoring the historical tensions and ongoing debates over gender and caste representation in Indian politics.
