New Delhi, September 20, 2023: The hallowed halls of the Lok Sabha reverberated with passionate arguments and heated exchanges as the Women’s Reservation Bill took center stage in a momentous showdown between former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. The crux of the debate: Should the bill include reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBC)?

In a poignant address, Sonia Gandhi fervently demanded that the Women’s Reservation Bill not only be passed but also incorporate a provision for OBC reservation within the proposed 33% quota for women legislators. She underscored the historical significance of this legislation, particularly for OBC women who have, for long, been underrepresented in India’s political landscape.

Mrs. Gandhi’s emotional plea struck a chord as she recalled her late husband, Rajiv Gandhi, who had pioneered the concept of reservations for women in local bodies. With unwavering determination, she declared, “Rajiv Gandhi’s dream has only been half fulfilled so far and it will be fulfilled with the passage of this bill.”

Highlighting the contribution of women to India’s struggle for independence and its subsequent transformation, Mrs. Gandhi asserted that further delay in implementing the bill would be a grave injustice to women. She called for an immediate caste census and provisions for reservations for women from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and OBC communities.

In contrast, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey vigorously defended the bill as it stood, emphasizing that it already incorporated provisions for SC and ST women. He accused the Congress of conveniently revising its stance on OBC reservation for political gain, asserting that the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were resolute in their commitment to passing the bill.

Dubey, with evident pride, stated, “We are proud of him (PM Modi) for calling this special session to table this bill and give respect, and reservation, to the women of this country.”

However, the tension in the chamber escalated as Dubey questioned the Congress’s intentions, accusing them of introducing reservations for women in panchayats and local bodies without considering OBC reservations. He challenged the urgency expressed by Sonia Gandhi, arguing that proper procedures, including the census and delimitation, must be followed.

The Women’s Reservation Bill, tabled on Tuesday, aims to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies nationwide. While the bill is expected to gain support from various opposition members, including the Congress, the battle over OBC reservations within the bill promises to keep the Lok Sabha on edge in the coming days.

This historic debate symbolizes the evolving landscape of Indian politics, where the quest for equitable representation for all sections of society takes center stage, bringing us one step closer to fulfilling the aspirations of India’s diverse population.