Political Rift Over Women's Reservation Hits Lok Sabha

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah criticizes the BJP-led Central government for associating women's reservation with delimitation. Although the Congress supports women's reservation, it opposes the delimitation. The Constitution Amendment Bill on women's reservation was defeated due to this linkage in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the BJP-led Central government of politicizing women's reservation by linking it to delimitation exercises. He emphasized that, while the Congress supports the idea of reserving seats for women, it is against the delimitation aspect being tied to it.

The contentious Constitution Amendment Bill, which aimed to reserve 33% of the seats for women in legislatures by 2029 and increase Lok Sabha seats to 816, was rejected in the Lok Sabha. The bill fell short of the needed two-thirds majority, with 298 members supporting and 230 opposing it.

Responding to claims from Congress MLA K N Rajanna about his helplessness, Siddaramaiah clarified that he has discussed the matter with Rajanna. Tensions within the Karnataka Congress are rising amid allegations that Siddaramaiah's confidants are being targeted.

(With inputs from agencies.)