Bengaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah said Saturday that Congress did not oppose women’s reservation, but blamed the Centre for linking it with constituency delimitation.In a statement, he said the Women’s Reservation Bill could have been passed if it had been introduced independently. “Linking it with constituency delimitation led to its failure,” he said, accusing the Union govt of politicising the issue.The CM noted that the bill was cleared in the Lok Sabha in 2023 after a constitutional amendment, but said combining it with delimitation could have made its implementation difficult.Dark chapter repeats: HDKUnion minister HD Kumaraswamy launched a sharp attack on Congress, saying a “30-year old dark chapter has repeated itself” and Congress’ “anti-women mindset” has not changed. Recalling developments in 1996, he said in a statement that the then United Front govt led by HD Deve Gowda had taken a decision to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. “Back then, Congress and its allies had collectively defeated that effort. Today, prime minister Narendra Modi had taken a bold step to correct the historic injustice done to women. Once again, the same Congress and its allies have obstructed his efforts,” he alleged.Kumaraswamy said those responsible for defeating the bill would never be forgiven by the women of the nation. Calling it an “insult to womanhood,” he said those responsible would face consequences. Appealing to women, he added, “There is no need for disappointment. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, you will receive due recognition one day. Achieving the goal of 33% reservation for women is certain.” BJP functionaries also criticised Congress for the failure of the reservation bill, alleging it reflected an “anti-women stance” and a “betrayal of women’s rights”. Leader of opposition in the assembly, R Ashoka, said blocking the bill amounted to a “betrayal of crores of women” and claimed people would teach a lesson to the party in elections. He described the development as a political conspiracy, negligence and a clear anti-women attitude.He added that Congress crushed the dreams of women aspiring to enter Parliament and assemblies as it believed “free schemes are enough” instead of political representation.Legislative council’s opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy termed the outcome a betrayal of 50% of the population, stating financial assistance alone “does not amount to empowerment.”Former chief minister BS Yediyurappa said opposing reservation “goes against the principle of equality” and that political representation is a “right of women”.Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha state president CS Manjula announced statewide protests. She said planned celebrations had “turned into anger” and that protests across Mysuru, Gadag, Nelamangala, Kolar and Bengaluru would continue indefinitely.“This agitation will go on until the Congress is removed from power,” she said, adding that the party’s “anti-women stance… will be exposed.”
