Congress’ Electoral Promise: Fast-Tracking Women’s Reservation Bill Upon Assuming Power

23-09-2023 : In a passionate address to a massive gathering in Jaipur, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made significant promises and raised crucial questions regarding the future of India’s political landscape. Speaking on Saturday, he began by calling for a caste-based census, a move aimed at providing comprehensive demographic insights into the Indian population, including details on gender distribution and the representation of various social groups such as OBCs (Other Backward Classes), Dalits, tribal communities, minorities, and the general category.

Rahul Gandhi questioned the incumbent Prime Minister’s constant focus on OBCs, emphasizing that if there is genuine respect for these communities, why is the government hesitant to conduct a caste census? He alleged that the government’s motivations extended beyond demographic data, claiming that they had contemplated renaming India to Bharat and had initiated parliamentary proceedings in that regard. However, upon realizing the public’s resistance to such a change, they shifted their focus to the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Asserting that the opposition fully supports the implementation of women’s reservation, Rahul Gandhi expressed his party’s eagerness to set this historic initiative in motion immediately. He contrasted this with the BJP’s purported intention to delay its implementation for a decade.

Turning his attention to the issue of OBC representation in the bureaucracy, Rahul Gandhi highlighted a stark reality. Despite the Prime Minister’s vocal support for OBCs, he revealed that only three out of 90 top officers who play pivotal roles in running the country are from the OBC category. Moreover, they are allocated just five percent of India’s budget.

Seeking to invigorate Congress workers, Rahul Gandhi drew a metaphorical parallel, likening political change to spotting a lion in the wilderness—requiring relentless effort and dedication. He emphasized the need for party members to spread the word about the positive initiatives undertaken by the Congress government in Rajasthan, such as the Chirnjeevi Yojana (a health scheme) and the provision of subsidized cylinders at Rs 500.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge added weight to Rahul Gandhi’s promises by reiterating their commitment to implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill immediately if the Congress comes to power in 2024. Kharge also denounced the perceived slight against President Draupadi Murmu, who was not invited to the inauguration of the new Parliament building, allegedly due to her tribal background. Drawing parallels, he highlighted the previous exclusion of President Ramnath Kovind from the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Parliament House because of his status as an untouchable, a situation that led to ritual purification with Ganga water when he eventually attended.