Rajasthan: House joins hands to ‘empower’ women

A resolution was unanimously passed in the Assembly to urge the Centre to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill at the earliest. The Bill provides 33% reservation to women on all seats in Parliament and all Assemblies. While BJP supported the resolution it accused Congress of playing politics and doing just lip service on the issue.

The resolution was proposed by women and child development minister Mamta Bhupesh. Former education minister Vasudev Devnani interrupted it by saying that 33% reservation should first have been implemented in the Cabinet and more women should have been made ministers. “We support that women should be given reservation, but Congress has different standards of what it preaches and what it follows. They did not give 33% tickets to women and made only one woman minister. They are passing this resolution to get praise,” said Devnani.

Deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore said resolution has suddenly sprung up. It is based on a letter written by Rahul Gandhi. The issue is being debated for 22 years. It has been put before the Parliament thrice and not been passed and once when Rajya Sabha passed it but it lapsed as Lok Sabha did not. This is when there was Congress government, said Rathore.

Addressing Sachin Pilot who happens to be the PCC chief, Rathore said, “This reservation should first be implemented in the rank and file of the party organisation.” Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria said that the resolution is a pipe dream that was not seen for 70 years when there were Congress governments across the states and in the country. “The concept is good but it reeks of deviousness. It is an effort to appease the public,”said Kataria.   

“If there were a screening machine to check what politicians of Congress feel on the issue all would fail the test. They are just pretending. They did not deliver when they could and now want to throw the ball in other’s court,” said Kataria. CM Ashok Gehlot said, “The issue has been since the time of Sonia Gandhi. NDA government has also brought this Bill once. I urge all should be in solidarity on the issue.” Taking on opposition allegations Gehlot said, “We are seeking ways to include more women in Cabinet. If there are good intentions and thoughts only then things move forward.”