He said the Bill was published in the official gazette following its passage, and claimed that BJP leaders were attempting to create confusion around its status. Kumar further alleged that the BJP had “never been in favour of genuine women’s empowerment” and described the defeat of a related measure in the Lok Sabha as an attempt to undermine constitutional values.
Targeting the BJP’s record on women’s issues, Kumar said the party had been “exposed” by its silence during key incidents. He referred to protests by women wrestlers seeking action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, and criticised what he described as a lack of support from BJP leaders. He also cited incidents of violence against women in Manipur, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had neither spoken out promptly nor visited the state at the time. Kumar further pointed to the conviction of Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case as indicative of the party’s stance on women’s safety.
The Congress leader added that allegations involving individuals linked to BJP leadership in Himachal Pradesh, as well as claims against a sitting BJP MLA, raised further questions about the party’s commitment to women’s rights.
Kumar said the concept of 33 per cent reservation for women originated under former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi through the strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions. He maintained that the 2023 Bill would not have been passed without the Congress’ support.
He also criticised what he termed the BJP’s “selective” promotion of Hindutva, alleging that some leaders failed to adhere to the principles they publicly espouse, and accused the party of using religion primarily as a vote-gathering tool.
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