Sonia Gandhi Asserts Ownership of Women’s Reservation Bill, Signifying Congress’ Commitment to Gender Equality in Politics
Congress Party Embraces Women's Reservation Bill as Their Cause, Amidst Speculation of Its Parliamentary Introduction
19-09-2023 : Sonia Gandhi, the chief of the Congress parliamentary party, made a significant statement on Tuesday regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, asserting that it belongs to her party amid growing speculation that the bill may soon be introduced in Parliament. This statement by Sonia Gandhi underscores the Congress party’s historical association and commitment to the cause of women’s empowerment and political representation.
The Congress party, on the previous day, had already expressed its support for the reported move, emphasizing that it has been a staunch advocate of the Women’s Reservation Bill for an extended period. As Sonia Gandhi made her way to Parliament on Tuesday, she was asked about the bill, to which she confidently responded, “It is ours, apna hai,” reinforcing the party’s ownership of the issue.
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress’ general secretary, took to a social media platform known as ‘X’ to share the party’s stance on the matter. He stated, “We welcome the reported decision of the Union Cabinet and await the details of the Bill.” However, Ramesh also pointed out that the issue could have been discussed in an all-party meeting before the Special Session, fostering consensus rather than operating under a shroud of secrecy.
कांग्रेस पार्टी लंबे समय से महिला आरक्षण को लागू करने की मांग कर रही है। हम कथित तौर पर सामने आ रहे केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल के फ़ैसले का स्वागत करते हैं और विधेयक के विवरण की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे हैं। विशेष सत्र से पहले सर्वदलीय बैठक में इस पर अच्छी तरह से चर्चा की जा सकती थी और पर्दे के… https://t.co/TylsHUogyb
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 18, 2023
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram weighed in on the development as well, highlighting the potential significance of the government introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill on that very day. He suggested that such a move would be a “victory for the Congress and its allies in the UPA government.” Notably, it was during the UPA government’s tenure that the bill successfully passed in the Rajya Sabha on March 9, 2010. Unfortunately, it was not subsequently taken up in the Lok Sabha, leaving the issue unresolved.
Our PM says he’s a crusader for women’s empowerment? Time for him to rise above party politics, walk-his-talk & have the Women’s Reservation Bill passed by Parliament. The Congress offers him its unconditional support.
Attached is my letter to the PM. #MahilaAakrosh pic.twitter.com/IretXFFvvK
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 16, 2018
