The former Congress chief calls for provisions to reserve seats for OBC women and highlights the significant contributions of women to the nation’s development and their pivotal role in realizing the dreams of prominent leaders.
New Delhi : Sonia Gandhi, the chief of the Congress parliamentary party, has thrown her party’s support behind the women’s reservation bill and called for its immediate implementation, while also advocating for provisions to reserve seats for OBC (Other Backward Classes) women.
In a compelling address to the Lok Sabha during the debate on the bill from the opposition’s side, Gandhi stressed that any delay in putting the reservation into effect would constitute “gross injustice” to Indian women.
Gandhi, the former Congress chief, passionately asserted, “Rajiv Gandhi’s dream is only half fulfilled. It will be fulfilled with the passage of this bill. The Congress supports this bill. We will be happy with the passage of this bill but we also have a concern.”
Expressing her concern over the prolonged wait for Indian women to assume political responsibilities, she questioned, “For the last 13 years, Indian women have been waiting for their political responsibilities, and now they are being asked to wait for a few more years — two years, four years, six years, eight years.”
Gandhi challenged whether such behavior towards Indian women is appropriate, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
She further added, “It is the demand of the Indian National Congress that the bill be immediately implemented… but, along with that, provision should be made for the reservation of SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), OBC women after conducting a caste census.”
Gandhi urged the government to take the necessary steps to address this issue.
The bill proposes a 15-year reservation period, including a one-third quota for women within the seats reserved for SC/STs.
Gandhi’s speech recognized the significant contributions of women, emphasizing that, “This is the most appropriate moment to acknowledge and thank women for their contribution.”
She asserted, “On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I demand from the government that the Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 be implemented as soon as possible while clearing all roadblocks in its way. Doing this is not only necessary but also possible.”
Highlighting the remarkable journey of Indian women, she stated, “From smoke-filled kitchens to brightly-lit stadiums, the journey of Indian women has been long. But finally, she has reached her destination.”
Gandhi praised the tireless dedication of women who have played pivotal roles in the nation’s development and in realizing the dreams of prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, and Maulana Azad.
In a heartfelt moment, Gandhi recalled her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions to women’s participation in local bodies through a constitutional amendment.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the women’s reservation bill in the Lok Sabha, describing it as a step towards women’s empowerment. The bill, which provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, will take effect after the completion of the census and delimitation exercise. This significant bill was the first to be introduced in the new Parliament building.
