Rahul Gandhi and Kiren Rijiju spar over Women's Reservation Bill implementation

The verbal exchange began after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to a social media video posted by Rahul Gandhi, in which the Congress leader discussed the importance of women's freedom and empowerment. Rijiju characterized the video as a positive message and a visible change of heart, subsequently challenging the Congress party to provide unconditional support for the Women's Reservation Bill. Gandhi countered by questioning why the government has delayed the implementation of the 2023 legislation and why it has been tied to the delimitation process.

Rijiju stated that the connection between the reservation quota and delimitation is a constitutional requirement rather than a government choice, noting that the law is set to take effect following the next census and delimitation exercise. Conversely, Gandhi maintained that the opposition supports the quota and argued that it should be implemented immediately based on the current strength of the Lok Sabha. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which mandates a 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, was passed by Parliament in 2023.