NEW DELHI, INDIA — Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj have strongly criticised the opposition over its stance on the Women’s Reservation Bill, intensifying the political debate around the proposed reform.
Speaking in Delhi, Bittu questioned the opposition’s position, asking what objection they have to increasing representation for women, particularly referring to mothers and sisters. He also targeted Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, alleging that the party had failed its own women workers. He warned that the opposition could face public backlash over the issue, suggesting that the matter would resonate beyond Parliament.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bansuri Swaraj said that the day was expected to mark a major step toward fulfilling commitments on women’s empowerment, particularly through the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. However, she alleged that political considerations within the Congress party and the broader opposition alliance took precedence over the interests of women.
Swaraj further claimed that the opposition had betrayed women and broken their trust, arguing that the bill represents a long-pending reform aimed at ensuring greater participation of women in legislative bodies.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, has become a focal point of political discourse, with sharp exchanges between the ruling alliance and opposition parties over its timing and implementation.
Leaders from the ruling party have been urging broad consensus and immediate passage of the bill, while accusing the opposition of obstructing a significant step toward gender equality in politics.
The remarks by Ravneet Singh Bittu and Bansuri Swaraj reflect the escalating political confrontation over the Women’s Reservation Bill, as the issue continues to dominate parliamentary and public debate.
