Dharmendra Yadav on Monday said the Samajwadi Party will introduce a private member’s bill in Parliament seeking separate reservation for OBC and Muslim women within the existing women’s quota in legislatures.
Speaking in an interaction, Yadav said that although the Opposition had supported the women’s reservation law passed in 2023, there are serious concerns about its implementation and inclusivity.
“Our party has consistently supported women’s reservation, but it must be implemented equally for women from all sections,” he said.
‘Biggest Flaw Is Lack of Clarity’
Yadav criticised the current law for not clearly addressing representation for marginalised groups. “There is no clarity in the women’s reservation law regarding the participation of OBC and Muslim women. This is the biggest flaw,” he said.
He added that the proposed private member’s bill aims to correct this gap and ensure fair representation. “To address this, the Samajwadi Party is preparing to bring a private member’s bill in Parliament,” he said.
Questions Over Delay and Census Basis
The SP leader also questioned the delay in notifying the law. “The entire Opposition had backed the women’s reservation law in 2023. However, the government took three years to notify it,” he said.
Raising further concerns, Yadav asked why a new framework was introduced. “If the reservation was to be implemented on the basis of the 2011 Census, then why was there a need to bring a fresh draft in 2023?” he said.
Concerns Over Delimitation
Yadav also targeted the Centre over delimitation exercises in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, claiming these have weakened the Opposition’s trust.
“After the delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, the Opposition’s confidence has weakened. That is why questions are being raised about the government’s intent,” he said.
Call for Equitable Representation
While reiterating support for women’s reservation, Yadav stressed that the policy must benefit all sections of society equally.
He said the party leadership will decide whether to launch a nationwide campaign on the issue but maintained that ensuring representation for OBC and Muslim women remains a priority.
“Our party supports women’s reservation, but the government’s intent on this issue does not appear to be clear,” he added.
