India, April 20 -- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the opposition over recent developments in Parliament concerning the Women's Reservation Bill, calling the situation "deeply unfortunate" and a setback for women's rights in the country. Addressing a press conference at the BJP office, Gupta questioned the narrative around democratic success, saying, "Daughters of this country are still fighting for their rightful place. And yet, what we are being told is that this is a victory of democracy. How can democracy claim victory when daughters lose?" Taking aim at opposition parties, she said, "Those who gave the slogan 'Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon' are now standing against women's rights," accusing them of abandoning their earlier stance. She further alleged that the Women's Reservation Bill had been obstructed repeatedly over the past three decades. "At different points, it was torn, stalled, even symbolically burned. This time too, the opposition ensured it did not pass by manufacturing arguments," she said. Also Read - Delhi govt drafts semiconductor policy Highlighting provisions of the 2023 law, Gupta noted that implementation of women's reservation is linked to delimitation. "If this condition was accepted then, why oppose it now? This contradiction must be answered," she said. Questioning the demand for reservation within existing seats, she asked, "Which of the current male representatives is ready to give up his seat?" The Chief Minister also underlined the need to expand Lok Sabha seats, stating, "Today, we are nearing 150 crore. Redistribution and expansion of seats is no longer optional, it is necessary." She dismissed demands for a "quota within quota," calling it an excuse to delay women's entry into legislatures. Targeting the Congress, Gupta said, "Their current stand is nothing but political pretence," and described it as the "All India Anti-Reform Congress" for opposing key reforms. Raising concerns over delays, she said, "Why should women have to wait another five to ten years for their rights?" adding, "Iron becomes stronger when it is forged, and gold shines brighter when tested by fire. Our daughters too will emerge stronger through struggle."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.