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New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed a spirited debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill, marked by an impassioned appeal from former Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for broader inclusivity, while BJP MP Nishikant Dubey countered with accusations of political maneuvering. In a surprising turn, Gandhi called for reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) within the proposed 33% quota for women legislators, a move that sparked intense discussions.

In her opening remarks as the first speaker from the Opposition on the bill, Mrs. Gandhi declared her party’s support for the legislation but underscored the need for an OBC reservation within the proposed quota. She emphasized the emotional significance of the bill, given her late husband Rajiv Gandhi’s pioneering efforts in introducing a similar bill for women’s reservation in local bodies.

“A Long and Arduous Journey”

Speaking passionately in Hindi, the former Congress chief remarked, “On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I stand here in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The journey of Indian women, from the confines of smoke-filled kitchens to the grandeur of flood-lit stadiums, has been long and challenging. However, they have now reached their destination.”

Mrs. Gandhi highlighted the historical contributions of women to India’s struggle for independence and the formation of the modern nation. “Speaking on this bill is an emotional moment for me because the constitutional amendment providing reservation for women in local bodies was first tabled by my husband, Rajiv Gandhi. It was a Congress government under PV Narasimha Rao that successfully passed it. Rajiv Gandhi’s dream remains partially fulfilled, and it can only be fully realized with the passage of this bill.”

While expressing her party’s support for the bill, Sonia Gandhi raised concerns about the delay in granting women their rightful representation. “How much longer should they wait – two years, four years, eight years? Is this justifiable? The Congress firmly insists on immediate implementation of the bill. Furthermore, a comprehensive caste census must be conducted, and provisions must be made for the reservation of women from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. The government must take all necessary steps to rectify this delay, as any postponement would amount to a grave injustice to women.”

The Lok Sabha debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill appears to be evolving into a crucial discussion on the scope and inclusivity of women’s representation in Indian politics, with Sonia Gandhi’s emotional appeal taking center stage.