Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the union government during a Lok Sabha debate on the women’s reservation and delimitation-related bills, alleging that the government is weakening democratic institutions and pushing constitutional changes for political gain.
She questioned why the government cannot implement 33% reservation for women in the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats, instead of linking it to a future increase in seats through delimitation.
“Why can’t women’s reservation be given in the current strength of the Lok Sabha?” she asked.
“Democracy Under Pressure From Institutions”: Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi alleged that democratic institutions were already being weakened over time and said the latest constitutional amendment bill marks a more direct assault.
She said, “The government began finishing off democracy by putting pressure on institutions like the Election Commission, judiciary and media. Now, an open attack is being launched on democracy.”
She further warned that if the bill is passed, it would have serious consequences for India’s democratic structure, adding, “This is an attack on the Constitution.”
Concerns Over Delimitation and Expansion of Lok Sabha Seats
The Congress MP also raised objections to the proposal that links women’s reservation with a possible increase in Lok Sabha seats up to 850 through delimitation based on the 2011 Census.
She said the real implications of the bill were hidden behind its surface intent.
“On the surface it looks fine, but when you read the fine print, it smells of politics,” she said.
According to her, the proposed Delimitation Commission comprising three members would have significant influence over how states are represented in Parliament, potentially altering the federal balance.
“Women’s Reservation Debate Being Diverted”
Priyanka Gandhi said that the real issue of women’s reservation was being diverted by linking it to delimitation and restructuring of parliamentary constituencies.
She said, “The debate is not actually about women’s reservation anymore. The direction has been changed.”
She also urged the government to implement reservation in its current form without delay.
Congress Response and Political History Cited
Highlighting the Congress party’s role in promoting women’s representation, she referred to past initiatives, including:
- Women’s reservation in local bodies under Rajiv Gandhi
- Passage of the women’s reservation bill in the Rajya Sabha in 2010 under Manmohan Singh
- Support for the 2023 legislation in Parliament
She also mentioned that Rahul Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 urging implementation of women’s reservation.
“Chanakya” Swipe at Government Sparks Attention
In a sharp political remark that drew attention in the House, Priyanka Gandhi took a swipe at the government’s strategy, saying, “If Chanakya were alive today, he would be surprised.”
She alleged that the government had strategically merged women’s reservation with delimitation to push through broader political changes.
Her comments reportedly led to reactions, including laughter and exchanges across the House.
Congress Opposes Bills but Leaves Door Open for Dialogue
Concluding her speech, Priyanka Gandhi said the Congress strongly opposes the three bills introduced by the government but added that the party would support genuine efforts to empower women if implemented fairly.
“We strongly oppose all three bills in their current form,” she said, while urging the Prime Minister to reconsider the approach.
