‘Panic reaction’: Rahul Gandhi on women’s bill, says PM Modi ‘wants to send a message’

Rahul Gandhi Slams Government

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Gandhi alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) introduced the bill despite lacking the numbers needed to redraw the electoral map.

“BJP is not stupid, they knew this bill couldn’t have passed. But they still brought it,” Gandhi said.

Alleges Political Messaging

The Congress MP claimed the move was aimed at sending two key messages.

“This was a panic reaction because the Prime Minister at any cost wanted to send out two messages—firstly, he wanted to change the electoral map of India and secondly, he needed to send this message again that he is pro-women,” he said.

“Why he is doing that I leave it to your imagination. But the powers that be know exactly why he is doing it,” Gandhi added.

PM Modi Warns Opposition Over Past Stand

Speaking during the debate in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday cautioned the Opposition over their earlier resistance to women’s reservation, saying it could have electoral consequences.

“Those who opposed giving this right to women have not been forgiven by the women of this country. They have faced the consequences,” he said.

‘Decision For Democracy, Not Any Party’

The Prime Minister stressed that the legislation should not be viewed through a partisan lens.

“If we all move forward together, this decision will not go in favour of any one political party, but in favour of the country’s democracy,” Modi said.

References to Past Opposition

Recalling earlier debates, he noted that resistance to women’s reservation was not new.

“25–30 years ago, those who opposed women's reservation didn't let their opposition go below the political surface. Don't make the mistake of thinking that today,” he added.

Assurance on Regional Fairness

Responding to concerns raised by the Opposition, Modi assured that the process would be fair to all regions.

“Whether it is the South, the North, the East, the West, small states or large states... this decision-making process will not discriminate against or do injustice to anyone,” he said.

Delimitation and Proportional Balance

He further clarified that existing proportional balances would be maintained during implementation.

“In the past government that was in power, in whose time the delimitation took place, there will be no change in that proportion either, and the increase will also be in the same proportion,” he said.

‘Guarantee of Fair Implementation’

Reiterating his commitment, the Prime Minister said the process would remain transparent and fair.

“If you need a guarantee, I give you a guarantee; if you need a promise, I make a promise... because if the intention is clear, there is no need to play games with words,” he added.

About the Women’s Reservation Bill

The Women’s Reservation Bill aims to increase women’s representation in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly by reserving one-third (33%) of seats for women.

The proposal will be implemented through a rotational system after delimitation exercises to ensure equitable distribution across constituencies over time.