Rahul Gandhi Opposes Women’s Bill in Lok Sabha; Calls it a Plot to Redraw Electoral Map

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Centre during a debate on Friday, accusing the government of “pushing its agenda” under the guise of the women’s reservation bill. He labeled the legislation a “façade” that has nothing to do with genuine women’s empowerment.

“This is not a women’s reservation bill,” Gandhi asserted. “This is an attempt to change India’s electoral map under the guise of women’s rights. The government should bring back the old 2023 bill, and we will support it.”

The Congress leader argued that the government is using the quota to “sideline” the caste census and deprive OBC and marginalized communities of fair representation. He called the act “shameful,” alleging that the BJP is “hiding behind reservations” to pursue political objectives because the party “fears the erosion of its political strength.”

Gandhi further claimed the government is attempting to rejig the country’s electoral landscape, citing recent exercises in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir as blueprints for a pan-India strategy. He specifically highlighted concerns regarding the upcoming delimitation exercise, which many fear will diminish the representation of Southern and smaller states.

“You are telling Southern, Northern, and other smaller states that to ensure the BJP remains in power, we are taking away your representation,” he stated, labeling the move an “anti-national act.”

The LoP also questioned the lack of diversity in India’s power structures. He asked where Dalits and OBCs are in the country’s bureaucracy, judiciary, and corporate sector. “You label them as Hindus but refuse to give them space in the legislative structure,” Gandhi said in a pointed critique of the government’s policies.