Political Tensions Surge Over Women's Reservation Bill Special Session

JMM MP Mahua Maji questions the timing of a special session on the Women's Reservation Bill, hinting at a political stunt as elections in some states loom. PM Narendra Modi calls for bipartisan support, emphasizing the historic need for women's representation with ongoing Parliamentary debates on the issue.

In a charged political climate, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji on Friday raised critical concerns over the timing of a special parliamentary session focused on the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill and the Delimitation Bill. She speculated that the session might be a tactical move, given the bill's earlier passage in 2023.

Questioning the motives, Maji remarked to reporters, "Why was this special session held when the implementation of the women's reservation bill is already declared? Is it a political stunt with the ongoing elections in Bengal and Tamil Nadu preventing many leaders from attending?" Her comments came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for cross-party support for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the significance of the moment, insisting that "the eyes of millions of women" are on Parliament. He noted extended discussions up until 1 a.m., aimed at addressing doubts around the bill. Modi's statements in a social media post called for the termination of decades-long delays, urging a collective effort to bolster women's political representation as the Lok Sabha vote nears.

(With inputs from agencies.)