Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes BJP’s women’s reservation bill commitment and highlights achievements during Chhattisgarh government convention.
Raipur : Speaking at a convention of the Chhattisgarh government in Sumabhata village, Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), describing their promise to enact the women’s reservation bill as an ’empty promise’ or ‘jumla.’ Kharge also advocated for the inclusion of an Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota within the bill and called for a caste census.
Kharge asserted that the BJP’s commitment to the women’s reservation bill, which allocates 33 percent of seats in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies for women, is misleading. He pointed out that the bill is not set to be implemented until 2034, accusing the BJP of using it as a mere political ploy to garner votes.
During his address at the ‘Krishak-sah-Shramik Sammelan’ (farmers-cum-labourers convention) organized by the Chhattisgarh government, Kharge highlighted the Congress party’s achievements during its five-year tenure in the state. He emphasized that the BJP had failed to accomplish in 15 years what the Congress had achieved in just five years of governance.
Furthermore, Kharge accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the Constitution and urged the public to support the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi in their efforts to safeguard the Constitution and uphold democracy.
Kharge also pointed out the historical context of women’s reservation, mentioning that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had introduced the 73rd and 74th amendments, providing reservations for women in panchayat bodies. He recalled that when Rajiv Gandhi introduced the 33 percent reservation bill in Parliament, the BJP had opposed it. Although it passed in one house, it was rejected in the other due to BJP’s opposition.
In conclusion, Kharge’s address centered on criticizing the BJP’s commitment to the women’s reservation bill, advocating for an OBC quota within it, and calling for a caste census, while also highlighting the Congress party’s achievements in Chhattisgarh.
