India, April 17 -- When Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi rose to speak in the Lok Sabha on Friday, he did not begin with the South-may-lose-seats argument that has dominated headlines since the delimitation bill linked to the women's quota amendment was tabled. He began with a different charge entirely.

"This is not a bill for women. This has nothing to do with the empowerment of women," he said in the House.

He then offered what he described as a "simple test".

"Bring that old bill back right now and we will help you pass it for implementation from this second," he said.

The "old bill" he was referring to is the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam already passed unanimously by both Houses in 2023. That provides for 33% reservation for wome...