Fall of Women’s Reservation Bill a “moral defeat” of Modi govt: JKPCC chief Karra

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Sunday accused the Modi government of politicising the women’s reservation issue.

Addressing a rally in the border area of RS Pura in Jammu district, Karra said the developments surrounding the Women’s Reservation Bill reflect what he described as an “anti-women and anti-democratic mindset” of the government, calling it one of its biggest legislative failures.

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He further termed the failure of the delimitation exercise a “moral defeat” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, adding that they have “no right to rule” and should step down.

When the women reservation bill had already been unanimously passed in 2023, what was this move of the Modi government, he questioned, adding that the non-implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, despite its unanimous passage in Parliament in 2023, reflects a lack of political sincerity and will of the Modi government.

“The government tried to fool and camouflage the delimitation move under the garb of women’s reservation but utterly failed in their nefarious move,” he said.

He stressed that the Congress remains committed to ensuring adequate representation to women in legislatures and decision-making bodies, as it has already ensured a 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayat Raj Institutions in the country.

Karra also accused the Modi government of diverting attention from real issues by engaging in “headline politics” while ignoring the hardships faced by farmers, youth, and marginalised sections, refugees, and border residents.

He said the Congress party envisions an inclusive and participatory governance model, where policies are framed with consensus and aimed at equitable growth.

JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, while addressing the gathering, echoed similar concerns and said that the rally symbolises the growing public dissatisfaction with the Centre’s governance and dual control system in J&K.

Bhalla said that Congress has always stood for inclusive growth and empowerment of all sections, especially women and youth. He added that the party will intensify its outreach programmes across Jammu and Kashmir to mobilise public opinion against what he termed as “anti-people decisions” of the Centre.