Rijiju calls Rahul Gandhi’s statement a positive message
Kiren Rijiju responded to Rahul Gandhi’s video on the social media platform X, calling it a positive signal from the Congress party. He said that a shift in Rahul Gandhi’s views on women is evident, and it can now be expected that the Congress will unconditionally support the women’s reservation law.
Rahul Gandhi responds
Rahul Gandhi also responded to the Union Minister’s comment, stating that the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed by Parliament in 2023, and that the Congress had supported it. Rahul Gandhi questioned why the law hasn’t been implemented even after three years and why it’s being linked to delimitation. He also demanded the government implement the 2023 law without any conditions.
Questions Raised About Women’s Freedom
In his video message, Rahul Gandhi stated that the energy and potential inherent in Indian women are not being fully realized. He emphasized the need to give women the freedom to speak, raise questions, and express their opinions freely. He also stated that the country’s development is incomplete without women’s participation and expression.
What is the Real Issue with Women’s Reservation?
The Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023, provided for the reservation of approximately one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. However, under the Constitution, its effect is only to begin after delimitation and the relevant census. To expedite the implementation of this system, a Constitutional Amendment Bill was introduced in 2026, but it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. Subsequently, other bills related to delimitation were also not moved forward.
Now, the central government is again trying to garner opposition support on this issue, while the Congress party is questioning the method of linking women’s reservations to delimitation. However, only time will tell where this matter ends and what decision will be reached.