The political atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh intensified as the Congress and BJP exchanged heated words post the rejection of the women’s reservation Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Congress leader Shobha Oza criticized the BJP-led Centre, alleging that the Bill’s linkage with delimitation and census was a tactic to delay its implementation. Oza emphasized that the Opposition’s resistance aimed to uphold the constitutional essence and secure immediate rights for women.
Citing voting statistics, Oza pointed out that out of 528 votes in the Lok Sabha, 298 were in favor of the Bill while 230 opposed it, leading to its dismissal. She reiterated Congress’s full support for women’s reservation but opposed the current amendment due to perceived delays. Oza advocated for immediate implementation of reservation within the existing Lok Sabha seats without waiting for delimitation, and called for a sub-quota for OBC women along with separation of reservation from census processes.
The ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh organized a “Jan-Aakrosh Mahila Padyatra” in Bhopal, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, supported by various women leaders. BJP leaders accused the Congress of obstructing a historic chance for women, alleging that the Opposition’s stance deprived women of constitutionally assured representation. They argued that the Bill aimed to enforce reservation from the 2029 general elections, marking a significant stride towards gender equality.
The BJP contended that the Congress was sowing confusion among the public while failing to implement women’s reservation during its tenure. The heated exchange between the parties has reignited the discourse on women’s reservation, with both sides positioning themselves as advocates for women’s rights. This issue is poised to remain a pivotal point in future elections, influencing political narratives within Madhya Pradesh and beyond.
