Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the entire Opposition would support implementation of the 2023 Act, adding that the BJP’s campaign lacked credibility. SP’s Dimple Yadav and RJD’s Misa Bharti alleged the government was not serious about women’s quota or a caste census. Opposition leaders are also planning a joint letter to the Prime Minister seeking implementation of the 2023 Act.
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Addressing a press conference, Vadra said the Opposition would back implementation of the law, even with changes to enable rollout by 2029. She alleged the government was using the issue politically. “We are saying very clearly… every party of the INDIA alliance will support bringing the 2023 legislation and implementing it. This is a ‘Black Day’ for them as they have suffered a setback,” she said.
She also claimed the government knew the Bill would not pass in its present form and intended to turn it into a political campaign. “By linking it with delimitation and the 2011 Census, it is clear they knew it wouldn’t go through. The aim is to claim credit and brand the Opposition as anti-women,” she said.
Dimple Yadav said the 2023 Bill had already been passed with Opposition support and accused the government of creating confusion. “Their entire effort was aimed at pushing delimitation. They have no real concern for women, especially those from backward communities,” she said.
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Misa Bharti questioned the need for amendments. “If the Bill was passed in 2023, why is it still pending? Why bring changes to a law that hasn’t been implemented? It shows the government is not serious about reserving seats for women,” she said.
