The debate over implementing women’s reservation gathered momentum on Sunday, with political parties raising questions about timelines, intent and its linkage with delimitation.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) said recent developments, including statements by the Prime Minister, have brought issues of constitutional process and democratic norms into focus. The party sought clarity on the roadmap for implementing the 33 per cent quota under the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.
JMM central general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said the provision remains contingent on the Census and delimitation, stressing the need for transparency and inclusivity. He also raised concerns about the representation of Other Backward Classes within the framework.
The Congress mounted a broader attack on the Centre, with multiple leaders questioning both intent and delay. Pradesh Congress Committee president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh said the government was linking reservation with delimitation for political reasons and demanded immediate implementation within the existing Lok Sabha structure.
Leader of the Congress Legislature Party, Pradeep Yadav, said the 2023 legislation had already outlined a process tied to the Census and delimitation, questioning the need for fresh positioning. Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh termed the move politically driven, while Mahila Congress president Rama Khalkho said the party would take the issue to districts across the state.
Congress leaders also called for the inclusion of OBC women in the reservation framework and said they would support any immediate legislative move in Parliament to implement the quota.
The BJP, however, defended the Centre’s approach. Speaking in Ranchi, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the legislation reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing women’s political participation and accused opposition parties of not supporting such measures.
Bihar MLA Shreyasi Singh criticised opposition parties and alleged reluctance to back initiatives aimed at expanding women’s representation.