K’taka CM, DyCM target Centre over women’s quota, delimitation bill

Hindustan Times reports on the strong criticism leveled by Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar against the central government regarding the recent defeat of the women's reservation and delimitation bill in Parliament. The state leaders accuse the Prime Minister and his administration of political maneuvering.

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The Prime Minister is trying to blame the party only for political benefit as there are elections in States like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Siddaramaiah specifically alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is exploiting the women's reservation issue for electoral advantage, particularly with upcoming elections in states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. He asserted that the Congress party has a historical commitment to women's empowerment, citing former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's initiatives for local bodies and the party's support for previous reservation bills. The Chief Minister also voiced significant concerns about the delimitation aspect of the bill, arguing it could disrupt the federal balance by disproportionately benefiting larger northern states at the expense of southern states that have implemented proactive population control measures.

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Congress has never been opposed to women's reservation. As the Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi introduced 33% reservation in urban and rural local bodies through the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution.

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar echoed these sentiments, criticizing the manner in which the bill was introduced, describing it as undemocratic and reminiscent of 'Hitler-style rule.' He emphasized the need for broader consultation with opposition parties, stating that the bill's introduction amidst elections and without consensus was unacceptable. Shivakumar declared the opposition's success in blocking the bill as a 'victory of the INDIA alliance.'

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The current bill aims at reducing the political balance of States and reduce the power of south Indian States. That is why we are opposed to it.

From an Indian perspective, particularly within Karnataka, this issue touches upon sensitive debates about federalism, regional representation, and the equitable distribution of political power. The Congress government in Karnataka views the bill as a threat to the interests of southern states, which they argue have demonstrated responsible governance in population management. The criticism directed at the central government reflects a broader political narrative of regional parties pushing back against perceived overreach by the national government, especially during election cycles. The framing as a 'victory' for the INDIA alliance highlights the opposition's attempt to consolidate its political standing against the ruling BJP.

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This is democracy; this is not a Hitler-style rule. They cannot bring it in the middle of elections and try to alter the entire constituencies.