Senior Congress MLA and former Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh, Ajay Singh, criticized the BJP-led Centre for what he perceives as using the Women’s Reservation Bill for political gains rather than immediate empowerment of women. Singh supported Sonia Gandhi’s concerns, highlighting significant issues in the implementation of the bill.
Singh expressed doubts about the government’s intentions, stating that the conditions surrounding the bill’s rollout suggest a focus on publicity rather than genuine empowerment. The legislation, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, was passed in September 2023, providing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
Singh emphasized the delays caused by linking the bill’s enforcement to the next census and a delimitation exercise, criticizing the BJP for what he sees as repurposing the issue without ensuring timely execution. He raised apprehensions about the political ramifications of associating reservation with delimitation, warning of potential imbalances in political representation.
Singh accused the Centre of being influenced by electoral considerations, urging the removal of procedural obstacles to promptly activate the quota. He cautioned that prolonged inaction could escalate the matter into a significant political issue, especially among female voters seeking concrete changes.
