Senior BJP leaders, including former Union ministers Smriti Irani and Ravi Shankar Prasad, launched a fierce critique against the Congress party on Saturday. Their accusations stemmed from the recent defeat of a crucial Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at providing 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures. The BJP alleges that the Congress not only betrayed women's political aspirations but also "celebrated" the bill's failure, which occurred in the Lower House on Friday. This development reignites the long-standing debate on women's representation in Indian politics.

What Happened?

Addressing a press conference, former Union minister Smriti Irani directly accused the Congress and its allies of rejoicing over the denial of 33 per cent reservation to women. She highlighted that this occurred despite decades of demand by women leaders across party lines. Irani specifically stated that the "Congress party smiled smugly, thumped desks and celebrated the crushing of the political aspirations of ordinary women." She further alleged that the Congress and its supporting allies celebrated the fact that women, who have struggled for years in politics and demanded 33 percent reservation in Parliament, were denied their rightful representation.

The Constitution Amendment Bill itself sought to operationalise women's reservation in legislatures from 2029. It also proposed an increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha to a maximum of 850 from the current 543. This increase was intended to accommodate the 33 percent reservation after a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. The bill was defeated in the Lower House on Friday because it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. Out of 528 members who voted, 298 members voted in favor of the Bill, while 230 voted against it. The bill needed 352 votes for passage, falling short.

Adding to the BJP's offensive, former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for her recent remarks on women. He questioned her language, particularly her comment that women are being "used." Prasad asserted that women in India cannot be treated as a "commodity." He emphasized India's cultural ethos, where women are revered as embodiments of goddesses. He stated that describing women as objects for use is "condemnable." Prasad also pointed out that Congress had allowed a similar bill to lapse during its UPA tenure, questioning their true intent. He reiterated the necessity of delimitation based on population for any revision of Lok Sabha or state assembly seats, suggesting Congress feigns ignorance for political reasons.

Key Highlights

Senior BJP leaders Smriti Irani and Ravi Shankar Prasad strongly criticized the Congress party.
The criticism followed the defeat of a Constitution Amendment Bill for women's reservation in legislatures.
Smriti Irani accused Congress of "smugly smiling" and "celebrating" the denial of women's political rights.
The bill aimed to implement 33 percent women's reservation from 2029 and increase Lok Sabha seats to 850.
The bill failed to pass in the Lower House on Friday, securing 298 votes for and 230 against, short of the 352 votes needed.
Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remarks, asserting that women are not "commodities" to be "used."
BJP alleged Congress's "feudal mindset" and its failure to pass similar legislation during its previous tenure.

Why Does This Matter?

The defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill is a significant setback for women's political empowerment in India. For common people, especially women across the country, this means a continued delay in achieving equitable representation in law-making bodies. Many women aspire to participate actively in governance and contribute to policy decisions that directly affect their lives and communities. This bill was seen as a concrete step towards making that vision a reality, ensuring their voices are heard and unique perspectives integrated into national and state-level discourse. The ongoing political debate underscores the importance of this issue for the democratic fabric of the nation, highlighting that genuine representation is crucial for inclusive growth.

Moreover, this political skirmish between the BJP and Congress over the bill’s failure raises crucial questions about sincerity and commitment towards women's rights. The accusations of a "feudal mindset" and treating constitutional rights as "political favors" resonate deeply. It forces citizens to evaluate whether political parties are truly prioritizing the advancement of women or if the issue is being used as a tool for political gain. The debate around the necessity of delimitation for implementing reservation also adds complexity, emphasizing the need for clarity and consensus on such critical reforms. Ultimately, the struggle for women's reservation is not just about numbers; it is about establishing a more just, equal, and representative society for all.