Sharp statements and attacks on each other are often seen in the corridors of Parliament, but Wednesday was something special. During the discussion on the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill, the atmosphere of the House changed completely when, after a fierce debate between the ruling party and the opposition, suddenly a round of smiles started. The occasion was the debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill, in which there was a direct clash between Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Home Minister Amit Shah, but this entire incident ended with a very interesting comment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In fact, during the discussion, Akhilesh Yadav raised the issue of rights of backward people and minorities in women’s reservation. He demanded that Muslim women should also be included in the scope of this bill and there should be a provision for separate reservation for them. On this demand of Akhilesh, Home Minister Amit Shah immediately took charge. Shah quipped, “If you are really so supportive of Muslim women, then give all your party tickets to them, we will have no objection to it.” After this sharp attack by Amit Shah, the commotion in the House increased for some time.
Amit Shah’s ‘masterstroke’ counterattack on Muslim reservation
As soon as Akhilesh Yadav raised the issue of quota within quota, Amit Shah dragged him into the election pitch. Shah’s tone was strict but there was a political sarcasm hidden in it. He made it clear that going beyond the constitutional provisions of reservation and giving quota on the basis of any particular religion is not the priority of the government.
It is being told that Akhilesh Yadav was adamant that this bill is incomplete without OBC and Muslim quota. She argued that this is necessary to bring the most backward half of the population, women, into the mainstream. Although Shah’s counterattack did make the SP camp a little uneasy, the real thrill was yet to come when Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the debate.
Dharmendra Yadav’s question and PM Modi’s answer
Meanwhile, SP MP Dharmendra Yadav tried to give a different turn to the discussion. Pointing directly towards the Prime Minister, he said that you yourself come from a backward caste, but surprisingly you are not taking care of the interests of the backward people. This statement of Dharmendra Yadav was a bit distasteful to the BJP MPs present in the House, but PM Modi responded to it very calmly and decently.
The Prime Minister, instead of adding to Dharmendra Yadav’s point, said something in such a way that the entire House echoed with laughter. PM Modi said smilingly, “Dharmendra ji, you probably don’t know, Akhilesh ji is a very good friend of mine. He also helps me from time to time.”
When Akhilesh folded his hands, faces lit up
Akhilesh Yadav could not stop laughing after hearing PM Modi calling himself ‘friend’ and ‘helper’. Where till a minute ago the atmosphere was tense, this one sentence of Modi lightened the atmosphere completely. Standing on his seat, Akhilesh Yadav politely folded his hands and accepted the PM’s greeting with a smile.
This scene was quite interesting for other leaders present in the Parliament. When these veteran leaders, who often attack each other in election rallies, show such ‘chemistry’ in the House, it presents a beautiful picture of Indian democracy. In fact, this entire incident shows that despite ideological differences, the dignity of personal relationships remains intact in politics even today.
Overall, the discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill was not limited to just figures and provisions, but it also had the flavor of political maneuvering, caste equations and finally a pleasant personal conversation. Now it remains to be seen how much change will happen in the country’s politics and women’s participation after the passing of this bill.
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