LoP says current amendment differs from 2023 law, alleges move could impact representation of OBCs and southern states
New Delhi, April 17 : Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, asserting that it is not a genuine women’s reservation measure and differs from the legislation passed in 2023.
Participating in the debate, Gandhi said the earlier law, which provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, remains the actual women’s empowerment framework. He pointed out that its implementation had been deferred, and urged the government to bring it into effect immediately.
Describing the present bill as “not a women’s bill,” Gandhi alleged that it attempts to alter the electoral framework while “hiding behind women.” He maintained that the opposition would support the government if the 2023 legislation were implemented without delay.
Gandhi also outlined what he termed “three truths,” claiming that the proposal could affect representation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and marginalised groups. He further alleged that it may weaken the link between caste census data and political representation, and could reduce the share of seats for southern states.
The bill has sparked a wider political debate on representation and delimitation.
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