Political tensions over the Women’s Reservation Bill escalated further on Sunday as Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the legislation as a “political shield” to advance what she described as divisive and undemocratic objectives. Her remarks come amid a heated exchange between the ruling and opposition parties following recent parliamentary developments on the bill.

Shrinate made the comments during a press briefing at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office, where she alleged that the government was “rattled” after facing setbacks on the constitutional amendment related to women’s reservation. The proposed legislation, which seeks to ensure 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, has been at the centre of a growing political confrontation between the BJP and opposition parties.

The controversy intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a televised address defending the bill and criticising opposition parties for blocking its passage. He accused parties including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK of preventing reforms due to political interests. Modi also defended the bill as a step toward empowering women and strengthening democratic representation.

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Responding sharply, Shrinate dismissed the Prime Minister’s address as a “failed attempt to shed crocodile tears” and questioned the intent behind his remarks. She claimed that the government’s focus was not genuinely on women’s empowerment but on advancing a broader political agenda linked to delimitation and electoral restructuring. According to her, these moves could have long-term implications for federal balance and representation.

Shrinate also criticised the Prime Minister for repeatedly mentioning the Congress during his speech, suggesting that it reflected political insecurity. She said the government’s narrative was being built around blaming opposition parties while ignoring concerns raised over the timing and structure of the bill. Her comments highlight the deepening divide between the two sides as Parliament continues to witness legislative deadlock on the issue.

The Women’s Reservation Bill, passed in principle in 2023, has faced delays in implementation due to provisions linked to census and delimitation processes. While the government has maintained that the bill is aimed at empowering women and ensuring greater participation in governance, opposition leaders argue that its framing could alter political representation dynamics. With elections approaching in multiple states, the issue is expected to remain a major flashpoint in national politics.

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