Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to implement the Women’s Reservation Bill introduced in 2023, stating that the entire Opposition would support it if brought forward in Parliament.
Addressing an Assembly election campaign rally near Naguneri in Tamil Nadu, Gandhi said that if the government was committed to women’s representation, it should table the earlier version of the Bill for immediate implementation rather than delaying it.
He noted that the 2023 Bill proposed reserving one-third of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies for women. According to him, the Opposition had supported this provision but had opposed recent legislative efforts due to concerns over potential changes in the electoral structure.
Gandhi alleged that the recent approach to the legislation was linked to delimitation efforts that could alter the distribution of parliamentary seats among states. He expressed concerns that such changes might reduce representation for southern states, northeastern regions, and smaller states, thereby affecting the federal balance.
Referring to the constitutional framework, he stated that India is defined as a “Union of States,” emphasising the importance of maintaining diversity in language, culture, and political representation. He added that any move perceived as weakening this structure would face opposition in Parliament.
The Congress leader also criticised the ideological stance of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, alleging that their vision of governance promotes uniformity over diversity. He contrasted this with what he described as the constitutional vision of pluralism.
During his speech, Gandhi referred to Tamil Nadu’s cultural and historical identity, describing it as one of the world’s oldest civilisations with a distinct linguistic and cultural heritage. He stated that regional identities should be preserved and respected within the national framework.
He also commented on political alliances in the state, criticising the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for its association with the BJP. According to him, the alliance reflects a shift from the party’s earlier political stance.
Gandhi further highlighted his nationwide outreach through the Bharat Jodo Yatra, describing it as an effort to promote unity and counter social divisions. He stated that the initiative aimed to reinforce values of peace, harmony, and inclusivity.
At the beginning of his address, Gandhi expressed condolences to the families affected by a recent firecracker unit accident in Virudhunagar district.
The remarks come amid ongoing political campaigning in Tamil Nadu, where issues of representation, federal structure, and social justice continue to be central to electoral discourse.