Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the government, alleging that it is prioritising “Manuvaad over Samvidhaan” and arguing that its stance on the caste census lacks clarity on representation.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the women’s quota bill on Friday, Gandhi questioned both the intent and the structure of the proposed framework, while outlining the opposition’s objections.
Also read | Women Reservation Act 2023 comes into force ahead of voting to its amendment in LS
Here's are top quotes from Rahul Gandhi's speech:
'Manuvad over the Constitution'
Rahul said said, “Manuvad over the Constitution… Amit Shah says the caste census has begun. He repeated twice that houses do not have caste. The issue is whether the caste census will be used for representation in Parliament and state assemblies. What is being indicated now is that the caste census will have no link to representation for the next 15 years.”
‘Not a women’s empowerment bill’
Gandhi questioned the core premise of the legislation, asserting that it fails to deliver genuine empowerment. “This is not a women’s bill; this has nothing to do with empowerment of women. It does not genuinely address their rights or ensure meaningful representation.”
‘Nothing short of anti-national act’
{{/usCountry}}Gandhi questioned the core premise of the legislation, asserting that it fails to deliver genuine empowerment. “This is not a women’s bill; this has nothing to do with empowerment of women. It does not genuinely address their rights or ensure meaningful representation.”
‘Nothing short of anti-national act’
{{/usCountry}}Gandhi described the government’s approach as fundamentally flawed, signalling a united resistance from Opposition parties within Parliament. “What the government is doing amounts to an anti-national act. We will not allow this to pass—the entire Opposition will stand together to defeat it,” he asserted.
‘Attempt to rejig political map’
He alleged that the ruling party’s motivations were political, suggesting that the proposal is aimed at reshaping electoral dynamics rather than strengthening representation. “BJP scared of erosion of its strength, government trying to rejig Indian political map, by attempting to alter the existing balance of political power in the country.”
‘Caste census being sidelined’
Gandhi argued that the link between caste data and political representation is being diluted, raising concerns about delays in reflecting social realities in governance. “Government trying to make sure caste census has nothing to do with representation for next 15 years, disconnecting the data from any impact on political representation for a long period.”
‘OBC representation being avoided’
He placed the issue of OBC representation at the centre of his criticism, claiming the framework excludes key sections from meaningful participation. "Government trying to avoid giving power, representation to OBCs; this is its agenda"
‘Offer to pass 2023 law immediately’
Gandhi offered support for the earlier version of the legislation, indicating the opposition’s willingness to back immediate implementation under that framework. "Bring back 2023 women's bill and we will help you pass it for implementation, this second"
‘Using women as a cover’
He alleged that the proposal is being presented as a women-centric reform while serving a broader political purpose. "This bill is an attempt to change country's electoral map; using and hiding behind India's women"
‘Women’s role’
Gandhi focused on the importance of women in shaping the country’s future, separating the idea of empowerment from the current proposal. “Women are a driving force in our national perspective”
The remarks come amid an ongoing debate in the Lok Sabha over the structure and timeline of implementing women’s reservation, with the opposition raising concerns over representation and intent.
The Women Reservation Act 2023, which gives 33 per cent quota to women in legislatures, came into force on Thursday to operationalise the proposed amendment being discussed in Parliament.