Ranchi/Patna:: At a press conference held at the Bihar Pradesh Congress office in Patna, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ms. Deepika Pandey Singh raised serious questions over the issue of women’s reservation and targeted the Central Government. State President Mr. Rajesh Ram was also present on the occasion.
The minister said that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 (106th Constitutional Amendment) was passed in haste by convening a special session, but its objective does not appear to be the immediate empowerment of women; rather, it seems aimed at serving political interests. She added that it is perhaps the first time in parliamentary history that an Act has neither been implemented nor notified, yet attempts are being made to amend it.
She stated that in 2023, the bill was supported by the Congress as well as the entire Opposition, keeping in mind the rights of women. The Congress had then demanded its immediate implementation and reservation of 181 out of 543 seats for women to ensure their adequate representation in Parliament.
Targeting the Centre, she said that the process has been deliberately delayed by linking it with conditions such as the census, caste census, and delimitation. Now, through proposed amendments, there appears to be an attempt to avoid key issues, particularly the question of OBC representation. She alleged that there is a clear intent to influence future political scenarios through delimitation.
Deepika Pandey Singh asserted that the Congress has always been a strong supporter of women’s reservation. She recalled that under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments ensured 33 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
In conclusion, she said that women need real rights and representation, not repeated assurances. The women of the country will not accept politics that uses them as a shield to retain power. The Congress remains firm on this issue and will continue to fight strongly for the dignity, rights, and participation of women.
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