Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 17: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday sharply criticised the Centre over the Women’s Reservation Bill, terming it an “anti-national act” aimed at altering India’s electoral map, triggering strong protests from NDA members in the House.

Participating in the debate, Gandhi asserted that the proposed legislation has little to do with women’s empowerment. He alleged that the Bill is a strategic move to reshape the country’s electoral landscape, calling it a “shameful act”.

Escalating his attack, Gandhi claimed that the Bill is an attempt to bypass a caste census and deny adequate representation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Referring to the historical treatment of Dalits and OBC communities, he said the government was trying to prevent these groups from gaining political power.

He further alleged that the move would adversely impact representation of southern, northeastern and smaller states, accusing the ruling BJP of attempting to retain power by redrawing the political map. “This is nothing short of an anti-national act, and we are not going to allow it,” he said.

On the issue of delimitation, Gandhi accused the government of attempting to reconfigure constituencies out of political insecurity, citing past exercises in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. He added that such changes would require a constitutional amendment.

Questioning the government’s stance on caste census, Gandhi said it would have no bearing on political representation for the next 15 years under the current proposal. He also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that statements on caste census were misleading and failed to address concerns over equitable representation in Parliament and state assemblies.