Sena MP Sanjay Raut calls for an end to 'credit fight' over Women's Reservation Bill

File Photo/PTI

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut emphasized on Wednesday that the Women's Reservation Bill is a matter for the entire nation, urging an end to disputes over credit for the bill's introduction.

"The fight for credit should end...This work (Women's Reservation Bill) is for the entire nation...It is your (BJP) government at present, it may be some other government (in rule) tomorrow. If you (BJP) talk about women then why do you fight over credit...You have brought the bill, you have tabled it, you've shown the courage and we appreciate your courage," Raut stated.

On Tuesday, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the bill in the first sitting of Lok Sabha in the new Parliament building, naming it the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

Meghwal explained, "This bill is in relation to women empowerment. By amending Article 239AA of the Constitution, 33 percent of seats will be reserved for women in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Article 330A reservations of seats for SC/ST in the House of People." He also highlighted that once the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is passed, the number of seats for women in Lok Sabha will increase to 181.

Government sources have indicated that the bill will be taken up in Rajya Sabha on September 21, ANI reported. The bill's introduction has reignited discussions and debates on the importance of women's representation in politics.

Also read: Congress committed to women's reservation, need to address potential shortcomings in the proposed legislation: Kharge

Meanwhile, ahead of the discussion on the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha on the third day of the ongoing Parliament special session, floor leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) will hold a meeting to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the house.

The Lok Sabha is set to discuss the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Bill which was tabled by Centre for discussion at 11 am today, after the proceedings of the House start. The 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2023 seeks to reserve 33 per cent seats in Lok Sabha and all state Assemblies for women.

The Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet on Monday.

In 2008, the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government tabled the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, and it was passed in 2010. However, the Bill was never taken up for consideration in the Lok Sabha.

Speaking to ANI, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reminisced about past efforts, stating, "In 2010, we had passed the Bill in the Rajya Sabha. But it failed to be passed by the Lok Sabha. That is why, this is not a new Bill. Had they taken that Bill forward, it would have been done quickly by this day."

Kharge expressed skepticism about the timing and intentions behind recent discussions on the Women's Reservation Bill, suggesting that political motives might be at play. He remarked, "I feel that they are publicizing this in view of elections, but actually unless the delimitation or census takes place... you can feel how long it is going to take. They could have continued with the earlier one, but their intentions are something else."

Despite his reservations, Kharge reiterated the Congress's commitment to the cause of women's reservation and emphasized the need to address the potential shortcomings in the proposed legislation. He affirmed, "But we will insist that women's reservation has to be brought, and we will fully cooperate. But the loopholes and drawbacks should be rectified."

The Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women, has been a topic of discussion and debate in Indian politics for many years. Its passage has been hindered by various challenges and political considerations. (Agencies)