Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made a significant statement regarding women’s freedom of expression, and their participation in society. He said that no country can fully progress until women are able to express themselves freely and live their lives according to their own choices. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to Rahul Gandhi’s statement. He appealed to the Congress party to unconditionally support the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Rahul Gandhi said – women’s energy should be given freedom of expression
Rahul Gandhi shared a video on the social media platform X on Friday, speaking about the status of women. He said that Indian women have immense energy and potential, but often lack the freedom to speak out and express their imaginations. He said that no country can succeed unless its women can express themselves freely.
“If women’s voices are suppressed, the country will remain incomplete.”
Rahul Gandhi said that suppressing women’s voices directly impacts the country’s progress. He said that a large part of his politics is based on the belief that without women’s expression, India will remain incomplete and backward. He also criticized the idea of limiting women’s empowerment to women’s success in business and politics.
Women need freedom from home to street
Rahul Gandhi said that women’s empowerment doesn’t just mean women advancing in business or politics. It also requires that they be able to express their opinions without fear at home, in the family, and in public. He said that women should be free to walk safely and comfortably on the streets. Rahul Gandhi also said that women should be free to express different opinions and question their parents, husbands, and siblings.
Rahul said – freedom from the control of patriarchy is necessary
Rahul Gandhi said that if India is to become a truly developed country, women must be freed from patriarchy and the rigid control of men. He believed that women must have greater freedom to choose their lives, thoughts, and decisions. He linked women’s empowerment to the overall development of the country.
Rijiju said – Congress should now support the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to Rahul Gandhi’s statement on X. He described Rahul Gandhi’s statement as a sign of a positive shift in the Congress party’s attitude. Rijiju said that a change is visible in Rahul Gandhi’s heart regarding women. He expressed hope that Congress will now unconditionally support the Women’s Reservation Bill.
What is Women’s Reservation Bill?
The Women’s Reservation Bill, also known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 and the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act,’ provides for the reservation of 33 percent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislatures, and the Delhi Assembly. Rahul Gandhi’s latest statement and Kiren Rijiju’s response are considered significant amid the political debate over women’s reservation. The stances of political parties on this issue in Parliament will also be closely watched.