Prominent women leaders from the Indian National Congress (INC) have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of employing tokenism and political maneuvering by introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging it’s a calculated move aimed at gaining electoral advantage in the upcoming 2024 polls.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women, was tabled by the BJP-led government. However, Congress women leaders argue that the BJP’s intentions are questionable, branding the move as a ‘jumla’ – a term often used to describe deceptive political strategies.
The accusation highlights the skepticism surrounding the timing and motive of the Bill, suggesting that the ruling party introduced it with an eye on the 2024 general elections. Critics argue that mere presentation of the Bill without ensuring its passage is a means to garner support and portray a façade of commitment towards gender equality.
This accusation is part of an ongoing political discourse, shedding light on the deep-rooted mistrust and skepticism between major political parties in India. The Women’s Reservation Bill has long been a subject of discussion, and its fate and true intention continue to fuel political debates in the country.