Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the government, alleging that it was prioritizing “Manuvad over Samvidhan”, arguing that its stand on caste census lacks clarity on representation.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Women’s Quota Bill on Friday, Gandhi questioned the intention and structure of the proposed framework, while outlining the opposition’s objections.
Read also | The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 comes into force before its amendment is voted on in the LS
Here are the most important quotes from Rahul Gandhi’s speech:
“We do not believe in the constitution”
“Manuvad on the Constitution… Amit Shah says the caste census has begun. He repeated twice that houses do not have a caste. The issue is whether the caste census will be used for representation in Parliament and state assemblies. What is being pointed out now is that the caste census will have no relevance to representation for the next 15 years,” Rahul said.
“It is not a bill to empower women.”
Gandhi questioned the basic premise of the legislation, asserting that it failed to provide true empowerment. “This is not a women’s bill; it has nothing to do with women’s empowerment. It does not truly address their rights or ensure meaningful representation.”
‘It is nothing less than an anti-national act’
Gandhi described the government’s approach as fundamentally flawed, indicating united resistance from opposition parties within Parliament. He stressed, “What the government is doing amounts to an anti-national act. We will not allow this matter to pass, and the entire opposition will stand together to defeat it.”
“An attempt to rearrange the political map”
He claimed that the ruling party’s motives were political, suggesting that the proposal aimed to reshape electoral dynamics rather than enhance representation. “The BJP fears its power will be eroded as the government attempts to reorganize the Indian political map by trying to change the current balance of political power in the country.”
“Marginalization of class census”
Gandhi said the relationship between caste statements and political representation was being diluted, raising concerns about delays in reflecting social realities in governance. “The government is trying to ensure that the caste census is unrelated to representation over the next 15 years, decoupling the data from any impact on political representation for a long period.”
“OBC representation is avoided.”
He has placed the issue of OBC representation at the heart of his criticism, claiming that the framework excludes key sections from meaningful participation. “The government is trying to avoid giving power and representation to OBCs; that is its agenda.”
‘Offer to approve the 2023 law immediately’
Gandhi offered his support for the earlier version of the legislation, indicating the opposition’s willingness to support immediate implementation within this framework. “Return the draft Women’s Law 2023 and we will help you approve it for implementation, this second.”
“Using women as cover”
He claimed that the proposal is being presented as a women-centric reform while serving a broader political purpose. “This bill is an attempt to change the electoral map of the country, exploit India’s women and hide behind them.”
“Women’s role”
Gandhi focused on the importance of women in shaping the future of the country, and separated the idea of empowerment from the current proposal. “Women are a driving force in our national perspective”
The remarks come amid an ongoing debate in the Lok Sabha over the structure and timeline for implementing women’s reservation, with the opposition raising concerns about representation and intentions.
The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, which gives 33 per cent quota to women in legislative assemblies, came into effect on Thursday giving effect to the proposed amendment being discussed in Parliament.
