In-Depth Analysis:
NEW DELHI: The unanimous support shown by political parties for the Women’s Reservation Bill, introduced in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, has ignited optimism within the BJP, potentially adding another significant achievement to its list of long-standing electoral promises.
Consistent Support by BJP:
The BJP has consistently advocated for the Women’s Reservation Bill, aligning itself with the cause of gender equality in Indian politics. This steadfast commitment spans several years, reflecting the party’s dedication to this critical issue.
A Bill’s Troubled History:
The Women’s Reservation Bill was first introduced by the NDA government in Lok Sabha in 1998. Unfortunately, it lapsed with the dissolution of the House. Subsequently, the bill faced hurdles in the 13th Lok Sabha in 1999 due to a lack of political consensus. Reintroduced in 2002 and 2003 by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the bill encountered repeated setbacks.
Sonia Gandhi’s Assertion:
Amidst speculation surrounding the bill’s reintroduction, Sonia Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, declared, “It is ours.” This statement underscores the shared concern for advancing women’s political representation.
BJP’s Previous Commitments:
In 2007, during the national executive meeting in Bhopal, when Rajnath Singh led the BJP, the party passed a resolution vowing to provide a 33% quota for women in legislatures. Despite differences with the Congress party, the BJP supported the women’s bill, which was successfully passed in the Rajya Sabha in 2010. However, its introduction in the Lok Sabha faced resistance from parties like RJD and SP.
BJP’s Accusations Against Congress:
Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP IT department, accused Congress of merely paying lip service to the “agenda of women representation” while undermining it through its alliance partners. He pointed out that the Vajpayee government had introduced the bill on multiple occasions, but it was consistently thwarted by Congress and its allies.
Women’s Quota as ‘Nari Sakthi’:
Vanathi Srinivasan, President of the BJP Mahila Morcha and an MLA from Tamil Nadu, emphasized that the bill represents a significant step towards ‘Nari Sakthi’ (women’s empowerment), which is synonymous with ‘Rashtra Sakthi’ (national empowerment).
BJP’s Track Record:
Since coming to power in 2014, the Modi government has successfully delivered on several longstanding BJP promises, including the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the revocation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and 35-A, and the banning of triple talaq.
The Road Ahead:
As the Women’s Reservation Bill takes center stage in the parliament, it represents another pivotal step in the BJP’s pursuit of political equality, following its significant accomplishments in recent years.
