‘Why the delay?’ Harsimrat Kaur Badal targets Centre over Women’s Reservation Bill
Women's Reservation Bill: The debate over the Women’s Reservation Bill has intensified, with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) taking a sharp stand against the Centre, questioning both the intent and timing of its implementation. While supporting the legislation in principle, the party has raised concerns over what it calls an “unnecessary delay” linked to delimitation and the next census.
The controversy comes even as the BJP-led government continues to highlight its commitment to women’s empowerment through campaigns like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. However, recent data on women’s representation in Parliament has sparked fresh scrutiny.
According to available figures, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 31 women MPs out of a total of 240, accounting for 12.9%. In comparison, the Indian National Congress (INC) has 14 women MPs out of 98 (14.3%), while the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has 11 women MPs out of 29 (37.9%). The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) records 2 women MPs out of 5, translating to 40%.
These numbers have triggered concerns over the gap between political messaging and actual representation. Observers have also pointed out that the BJP’s current list of women MPs does not include any Muslim or Sikh representation.
The SAD has specifically questioned why the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill has been tied to delimitation and a future census, a move that could push its rollout to 2029 or even 2034. The party argued that if reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) could be implemented without such preconditions, a similar approach could have been adopted for women.
Senior SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal had supported the Bill in Parliament but called for its immediate enforcement. The party has also warned that linking reservation with delimitation may alter the political balance by increasing seats in certain regions, particularly in the Hindi heartland, potentially at the cost of southern and northeastern states.
Further raising questions, the SAD asked why the Centre did not amend existing constitutional provisions to introduce reservation within the current strength of 543 Lok Sabha seats, instead of deferring the process.
The political exchange has also spilled beyond Parliament. The BJP has criticised initiatives associated with Harsimrat Kaur Badal, including the ‘Nanni Chhaan’ campaign. In response, the SAD defended the initiative, stating that since its launch in August 2008, it has played a significant role in promoting women’s empowerment.
According to the party, the campaign has focused on awareness drives such as “save the girl child” and environmental protection, while also running multiple skill development centres. These centres provide training in stitching and vocational skills, enabling thousands of women to achieve financial independence and support their families.
Opposition parties allege the move is being used as a strategic tool ahead of upcoming elections, while the government maintains that it remains committed to empowering women.
- PTC NEWS
