Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal dismissed allegations by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra that recent legislative actions are endangering democracy in India. Priyanka Gandhi had accused the Union government of exerting pressure on democratic institutions like the Election Commission, Judiciary, and media, leading to a direct assault on democracy.
Pal countered these claims, stating that democracy in India is actually getting stronger and refuted the notion of weakening institutions. He highlighted the significant contributions of Parliamentary mechanisms like the Standing Committee in fortifying democratic structures, citing past efforts on women’s reservation as an example.
Moreover, Pal commended the recent Parliamentary proceedings, labeling Thursday as a “historic day” due to extensive debates and high participation levels. He emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in governance, noting the substantial role played by female Parliamentarians in shaping policies and decision-making processes in India.
The ongoing debate on Bills proposing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state Assemblies witnessed intense discussions between the ruling NDA and the Opposition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a final plea for broader support, acknowledging the necessity for consensus to pass the legislation due to the NDA’s insufficient numbers for a constitutional amendment bill.
