Rahul – Rijiju War Over Women’s Quota

The deadlock between the ruling and opposition parties over implementing the law providing 33% reservation for women in legislatures has triggered a fresh war of words. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke about women’s freedom and political participation during an online ‘Ask Me Anything’ session. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded that Rahul and the Congress should support the Women’s Reservation Bill if they genuinely have such a strong view on women’s empowerment. Rahul hit back, saying the bill had already been passed by Parliament in 2023 with the Congress’ full support. He questioned why the reservation had not been implemented yet and demanded that the law be enforced immediately without linking it to delimitation.

Meanwhile, speaking at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Prayagraj, Rahul Gandhi said India’s youth are the country’s biggest strength but lack adequate employment opportunities. He blamed declining education standards, the weakening manufacturing sector, difficulties in accessing loans, artificial intelligence and question paper leaks for growing frustration among young people. He also said recent student protests had helped create awareness. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, meanwhile, said the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) had gained more public attention than the Congress in the fight over student issues. With speculation that the government could introduce bills on women’s reservation and delimitation, the Congress has issued a whip directing its MPs to remain present in both Houses.