Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor Critiques Government’s Approach to Women’s Reservation

Tharoor’s Criticism of Linking Women’s Reservation with Delimitation

NEW DELHI: Prominent Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed strong criticism of the government on Thursday for intertwining women’s reservation with the delimitation process. Tharoor emphasized that the law should be enacted without delay and unlinked from other legislative measures.

Call for In-Depth Discussion

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Tharoor stated that while the Opposition fully supports women’s reservation, it is unnecessary to tie this important policy to the often controversial issue of delimitation. He underscored the need for a broader and more comprehensive discussion rather than attempting to rush through the decision in a matter of days.

Immediate Implementation of Women’s Reservation

"I just want to say that we don’t have any problem with women’s reservation; the government can implement it immediately. However, we question why delimitation is included in this process," Tharoor declared. He argued that the complexities surrounding delimitation merit extensive dialogue, which cannot be resolved in a few days.

The Importance of Separating Delimitation from Women’s Reservation

Tharoor highlighted that the government could advance women’s reservation without tying it to the delimitation process. "If the government truly desires this women’s reservation, they could have enacted it in 2023. There should be no connection to delimitation; it should solely focus on the women’s reservation bill," he urged.

Legislative Context and Political Ramifications

This comment comes in the wake of the introduction of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill aimed at amending the women’s quota law in the Lok Sabha, along with two additional bills—specifically the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill. These bills are intended to facilitate the revised women’s quota law in Union territories such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Concerns from Southern States: A Call Against Political Demonization

The Thiruvananthapuram MP also pointed to apprehensions from southern states, labeling the government’s current strategy as "political demonetisation." He articulated that, "The manner in which you are conducting delimitation resembles the hasty implementation of demonetisation. We must avoid this type of political demonisation."

The Need for Comprehensive Debate on Delimitation

Tharoor advocated for a comprehensive discussion surrounding the delimitation process. "A detailed review is crucial regarding delimitation, even as we advocate for the immediate implementation of women’s reservation," he concluded.

By demanding that the government prioritize women’s reservation and seek a broader dialogue concerning delimitation, Tharoor continues to resonate with constituents advocating for systemic change in Indian politics.