The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, delivered a sharp and engaging speech during a key discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill. His remarks combined humour and strong political criticism, drawing attention from both ruling and opposition members in the House.
At the beginning of his address, Rahul Gandhi adopted a light-hearted tone while referring to the role of women in everyone’s lives. Making a humorous comment directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that both he and the Prime Minister do not have a “wife problem,” adding that they therefore do not receive any advice in that regard. The remark triggered laughter in the Lok Sabha.
He also made a reference to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, stating that in the past two decades she had achieved what he himself could not, including, as he put it, bringing a smile to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s face. The early part of his speech maintained a lighter tone before transitioning into serious political criticism.
Shifting focus to policy issues, Rahul Gandhi strongly opposed the Centre’s Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging that it is not genuinely intended for women’s empowerment. He argued that the bill is being linked with delimitation to alter the country’s electoral map under the guise of providing representation to women.
He further demanded immediate implementation of the earlier Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023, stating that the opposition supports it in principle. Accusing the government of pursuing discriminatory politics, he alleged that OBCs, Dalits, minorities, and women continue to face systemic exclusion. He also criticised the BJP, claiming the move reflects a “Manuvad” influence over the Constitution and alleging an attempt to dilute the political representation of backward communities through the proposed changes.