• Source:JND
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Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, strongly criticised the Women’s Reservation Bill during a special session of Parliament, questioning both its intent and its approach to inclusive representation.

Gandhi further sparked an uproar in the Lower House on Friday with a sarcastic reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “magician", sparking protests from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

While addressing the debate on the Women’s Quota Bill, Gandhi accused the BJP of redrawing the electoral map of the country. “What you (BJP) are doing, because you are scared of what is happening in the politics of the country, you are scared of the erosion of your strength, and you are trying to rejig the Indian political map. You did it in Assam, J&K, and now imagining you can do it in India. You need a constitutional amendment to do that," he said.

Gandhi said the BJP knew the bill would not be passed in the House and was panicking. “The truth is the magician has been caught. The magician of Balakot, the magician of demonetisation, the magician of Sindoor has suddenly got caught," he added.

“Everybody knows that there is a partnership between our friend, the magician and the businessman," he added.

In response to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks sparked a furious uproar from the BJP MPs. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Gandhi was using wrong language for the Prime Minister and demanded that he apologise for his remarks.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to expunge Rahul Gandhi’s remarks. “The kind of words being used by the Leader of the Opposition about the Prime Minister of this country are extremely unfortunate. I believe that no amount of condemnation of this is enough," he said.

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“Repeatedly calling him a ‘magician’ is actually an insult to the people of the country. I would like to request you that the words he has used be expunged from the proceedings. Rahul Gandhi should apologise," Singh added.

This is not a women's bill': Rahul Gandhi

At the same time, While recognising the role of women in society, Gandhi argued that the proposed framework does not truly advance women’s empowerment and ignores the broader question of social inclusion.

He said, “Some truths need to be told here. This is not a women's bill; this has nothing to do with empowerment of women. This is an attempt to change the electoral map.”

He further termed the move “a shameful act.”

Emphasising the contribution of women in shaping society, Gandhi noted, "Women are a driving force in our national imagination. All of us have been influenced, taught, learnt a lot from women in their lives..."

He also targeted the ruling BJP, rejecting its claim that the legislation promotes women’s empowerment.

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Intensifying his criticism, he added, "This entire opposition is going to defeat you in the parliament."

Raising concerns over representation, Gandhi questioned the absence of provisions for marginalised communities. “Where are dalits, OBCs and Adivasis,” he asked.

He argued that the bill does not adequately safeguard representation for Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and tribal communities.

 


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