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BJP's Bansuri Swaraj: Delimitation is the Path to Women's Reservation

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj defended the Delimitation Bill as the necessary constitutional mechanism to implement the women's reservation law passed in 2023. She questioned Opposition parties for supporting the reservation act but now opposing the delimitation process required to enact it. Swaraj countered allegations from Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, framing the issue as one of power balance rather than a power grab or rushed process. She clarified that delimitation and an increase in Lok Sabha seats are essential for identifying the constituencies where reservation will apply, assuring no state's share would be reduced.

Key Points: Bansuri Swaraj Links Delimitation to Women's Reservation

  • Delimitation Bill as path to women's quota
  • Opposition accused of inconsistency
  • 2024 elections saw more women voters
  • Reservation needs identified constituencies
  • No state's seat share to be reduced
2 min read

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj calls delimitation as 'path towards women's reservation'

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj argues the Delimitation Bill is essential for implementing women's reservation, countering Opposition criticism in Lok Sabha.

"Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is the destination, delimitation is only the path towards it. - Bansuri Swaraj"

New Delhi, April 16

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Bansuri Swaraj said on Thursday that the proposed Delimitation Bill is the actually the path towards achieving the goal of women's reservation in the country.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a marathon debate on women's reservation and delimitation, Swaraj said, "In the 2024 elections, there were more women voters as compared to men."

"I want to ask those Opposition leaders who are not supporting this Bill, do you want to limit women's role as voters only?" she added.

The BJP leader said, "What surprises me is the fact that the Opposition had allowed the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023, then why are they not supporting its implementation by 2029?"

Reacting on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's video message on X regarding the Women's Reservation Bill, Swaraj said, "This Bill has been brought to fulfill the promises."

On LoP Gandhi calling the Bill, a "power grabbing move", she said, "This is not the issue of power grab but rather a matter of power balance."

Swaraj noted, "It is the responsibility of the House to rise above political interests and ideological differences and pass this Bill unanimously."

On Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav's allegation that the Bill is being rushed by Union government to sidestep caste count, Swaraj said, "Even after the delay of 40 hours, how are they alleging that the Bill is being rushed?"

The BJP MP also mentioned that elections cannot be a "pretext to snatch the rights of women", adding: "The delimitation has been made a factor of fear and illusion. I want to clarify that delimitation is not a conspiracy of the BJP, rather it is the constitutional mechanism."

Calling women's reservation as the final destination, the BJP MP said, "Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is the destination, delimitation is only the path towards it. One should not confuse between a path and a goal. It is high time that we complete the journey towards that destination."

Swaraj highlighted that reservation cannot be implemented in the abstract.

"It will have to be implemented in identified constituencies," she said.

She stressed that for effective implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, "delimitation and increase in the number of (Lok Sabha) seats is essential."

She also emphasised that the share of any state will not be reduced while increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
I appreciate the intent, but the sequencing feels political. Why tie women's reservation, which everyone agreed on, to the delimitation exercise? It creates unnecessary doubt. Just implement the reservation in existing seats for now.
A
Akhilesh Y
The point about more women voters is crucial! We are half the population, our voices need to be heard in Parliament too. If delimitation is the constitutional path to get there, so be it. Let's not stall progress with partisan politics. 🙏
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the argument makes administrative sense. You can't just assign reservations without a fair, updated map of constituencies. The assurance that no state's share will reduce is also important for national unity.
K
Karthik V
The opposition's U-turn is baffling. They passed the bill with much fanfare, now they're creating hurdles in the process to actually make it happen. This is why people get frustrated with politics. Support women's empowerment in action, not just words.
M
Meera T
"Path and goal" - a very apt analogy. We all want the destination of 33% reservation. But we need a proper, constitutional road to get there. Rushing it without the delimitation groundwork will lead to legal challenges and more delays. Patience and correct procedure is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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