Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has accused the Congress party of obstructing the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament for decades. He said the BJP government fulfilled a long-pending demand by passing the legislation and giving women a stronger voice in the country’s democratic system.
Addressing a public gathering in Haryana, Saini said the Congress had several opportunities to pass the bill when it was in power but failed to do so. He claimed the party used the issue for political purposes without taking concrete steps to ensure women received adequate representation in legislatures.
Saini Credits BJP for Passing the Bill
The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing and passing the Women’s Reservation Bill, officially known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The law provides 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
Saini described the legislation as a historic reform that would increase women’s participation in decision-making and strengthen Indian democracy.
For years, women across the country demanded greater representation in Parliament and assemblies. The BJP government respected that demand and turned it into reality.
Congress Accused of Delaying the Reform
Saini said Congress governments discussed the bill many times but did not build the political consensus needed for its passage. According to him, the party repeatedly postponed the issue and failed to show the commitment required to implement such an important reform.
He argued that the BJP demonstrated political will by passing the bill during its tenure, while Congress leaders only made promises.
The Congress kept the bill pending for years. The BJP government showed the courage to pass it and open a new chapter for women’s empowerment.
Focus on Women’s Empowerment
The Haryana Chief Minister linked the Women’s Reservation Bill with the government’s broader efforts to improve the condition of women. He highlighted schemes related to education, healthcare, financial assistance, and self-employment.
Saini said women in Haryana were becoming more active in politics, business, sports, and public administration. He added that increased representation in legislatures would help bring women’s perspectives into policy decisions.
He also urged women to participate actively in democratic processes and take advantage of opportunities created by the new law.
Political Significance Ahead of Elections
Political observers see Saini’s remarks as part of the BJP’s strategy to strengthen its support among women voters. Women have become an increasingly important voting bloc in Haryana and many other states.
By raising the issue of the Women’s Reservation Bill, the BJP is trying to present itself as a party that delivers on promises related to women’s rights and political participation.
Congress leaders, however, have rejected the allegations. They argue that the party has consistently supported women’s reservation and played a key role in earlier efforts to pass the bill. Opposition leaders also claim that the BJP delayed the implementation of the law by linking it to the next census and delimitation process.
What Is the Women’s Reservation Bill?
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed by Parliament in 2023. It reserves one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. The reservation will also apply to seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The law will come into effect after the completion of the next census and the subsequent delimitation exercise. Once implemented, it is expected to significantly increase the number of women lawmakers across the country.
Supporters say the bill will help correct the long-standing underrepresentation of women in Indian politics. Critics, however, have demanded immediate implementation and greater clarity on the timeline.
Haryana Government’s Stand
Saini said the Haryana government fully supports the implementation of the law and will continue to work for women’s welfare. He claimed that the BJP has consistently promoted women’s participation in local bodies and other public institutions.
The Chief Minister also appealed to the public to support policies that encourage gender equality and create more leadership opportunities for women.
Conclusion
Nayab Singh Saini’s sharp attack on the Congress has added a political dimension to the debate over the Women’s Reservation Bill. While the BJP is projecting the law as a landmark achievement of the Modi government, the Congress insists it has always supported women’s reservation.
The issue is likely to remain a major political talking point in Haryana and other states as parties compete to win the support of women voters. With the implementation process still pending, the focus will now shift to when the reservation will actually come into force and how it will reshape India’s political landscape.
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