Debate Intensifies Over Women's Reservation Bill Amidst Calls for Inclusivity

Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao has raised concerns over the Women's Reservation Bill, citing a lack of census surveys for women and backward classes. Meanwhile, PM Modi calls for unified support, addressing misconceptions. The Lok Sabha is set to vote on amendments granting women a 33% reservation.

On Friday, Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao expressed apprehensions regarding the central government's plan to implement the Women's Reservation Bill. He criticized the absence of a comprehensive census survey that includes women and marginalized communities. Despite this, Rao clarified that his party is not opposing the bill itself but suggested there may be a 'conspiracy' to expedite its passage without addressing these concerns.

His remarks emerged as opposition party leaders in Telangana's legislative assembly organized a protest outside Telangana Bhavan, voicing their disapproval of the bill without provisions for backward classes. Rao's cautionary tone echoed a broader demand for inclusivity and equitable representation in the bill.

Conversely, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a public appeal urging all political parties to overlook partisan differences and endorse the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, as millions of women are eagerly observing the proceedings in Parliament with hopes for positive change. Modi assured that all concerns raised during the debates have been addressed effectively and called on legislators to vote in favor of women's empowerment.

(With inputs from agencies.)