RLM Stages 'Dhikkar March' Across Bihar to Condemn Opposition Over Women's Reservation Bill
The Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) orchestrated a significant political demonstration on Wednesday, organizing a 'Dhikkar march' in Patna and multiple district headquarters throughout Bihar. This protest was a direct response to opposition parties obstructing the passage of the 131st Constitution amendment bill. This pivotal legislation aims to allocate 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, contingent upon an increase in the total number of seats following a delimitation exercise.
Gender Disparity in Protest Participation
An intriguing observation from the demonstrations was the noticeable gender imbalance among participants. In numerous locations, including Patna, Lakshisarai, Samastipur, Khagaria, and Nalanda, male attendees significantly outnumbered women in the RLM-led protest marches. This demographic contrast added a layer of complexity to the event's messaging, which centered on advocating for women's political empowerment and representation.
Leadership and Key Voices in Patna March
In the state capital, the march was spearheaded by Deepak Prakash, son of RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha. The procession commenced from the MLA flats and proceeded to the Dak Bungalow crossing. Prakash, a former minister, articulated the core grievance, stating that while frameworks for women's reservation were being developed, the actual implementation has stalled. "Women have neither received the promised reservation nor has the essential delimitation process been initiated," he emphasized.
Prakash further elaborated, "Consequently, there has been no expansion in the number of constituencies. This constitutes a clear violation of women's rights. Our objective with this march is to unveil the opposition's true stance on this critical issue." The Patna rally saw participation from several prominent RLM figures, including state women's wing president Smriti Kumud, MLA Rameshwar Mahto, state working president Subhash Chandravanshi, and minority wing state president Zulfiqar Aftab, as confirmed by state spokesperson Rajneesh Kumar.
Regional Demonstrations and Strong Condemnation
Parallel protests were conducted in other districts, with RLM state president and Dinara MLA Alok Kumar Singh leading the march in Sasaram. Singh delivered a stern rebuke, accusing opposition parties of depriving women of their constitutional entitlements. "A monumental initiative intended to empower the nation's women is being undermined. The opposition committed a grave error by voting against this Constitution amendment," he asserted, framing the issue as a significant political miscalculation by the opposing factions.
The RLM's coordinated actions across Bihar highlight a strategic effort to apply public pressure and draw attention to the legislative impasse surrounding women's reservation. The party positions itself as a champion for gender equity in political representation, directly challenging opposition parties for their role in delaying the bill's enactment and the subsequent delimitation required to realize the reservation's full potential.
