Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the BJP of trying to alter India’s political balance by using the women’s reservation bill as a route to constituency delimitation. He claimed the move would effectively weaken the representation and influence of southern states, the Northeast and smaller states.
Speaking during the discussion on women’s reservation and delimitation, Rahul argued that the proposed law would not truly empower women. Instead, he said, it was aimed at reshaping the country’s electoral map and would become a “historical document” on how society treats Dalits, OBCs and women.
He also raised questions about caste-based enumeration, saying the government’s approach could prevent OBCs from gaining adequate representation for the next 15 years. Rahul cited Home Minister Amit Shah’s statements on the issue and asked whether representation in Parliament and state assemblies would be ensured on the basis of such data.
Rahul said the opposition would not allow any attempt to reduce the representation of the South, the Northeast and smaller states, and asserted that the bill would not be passed. He further criticised the BJP, alleging it prioritises Manusmriti over the Constitution.
BJP MPs strongly objected to Rahul’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raised slogans in the House and demanded an apology.
