Women’s Reservation Bill Debate: Basheer Backs Quota, Questions Delimitation Link

A special sitting of Parliament on Thursday witnessed a sharp political exchange over the Women’s Reservation Bill, with Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer expressing support for the legislation while opposing its linkage to the proposed delimitation exercise. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Basheer accused the government of creating an “escape route” that could delay the implementation of the quota, even as it seeks political credit for introducing the Constitutional Amendment Bill.

Basheer argued that tying the women’s reservation to delimitation lacked logical justification and raised concerns about the government’s legislative intent. He further criticised the Centre for allegedly bypassing proper parliamentary procedures on a matter with significant long-term implications. According to him, the linkage could postpone the actual rollout of reservation benefits, undermining the purpose of the bill.

During the debate, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra traced the historical roots of women’s reservation efforts, referring to early advocacy by Motilal Nehru. She questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party’s stance on the issue, suggesting that the party’s current position contrasts with earlier political narratives. Gandhi also highlighted past resistance faced during the implementation of reservation policies in Panchayats, drawing parallels with the present debate.

Also Read: Opposition Flags Possible Link Between Women’s Quota Bill and Delimitation

Priyanka Gandhi further noted that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had previously written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill by 2019. Reflecting on the Prime Minister’s address during the session, she remarked that it appeared as though the BJP had always championed women’s reservation, while simultaneously downplaying the question of political credit. The debate underscored ongoing disagreements between the government and opposition over both the intent and timing of the proposed legislation.

Also Read: PM Modi Says Women’s 33% Quota Bill Should Have Been Implemented Decades Ago