Odisha CM says women’s quota unstoppable, targets Congress

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday asserted that no political force can halt the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies, even as he criticised the Congress over the defeat of the 131st Constitution (Amendment) Bill.

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said opposition parties were under a “misconception” if they believed they had stalled the long-pending demand for greater representation of women in legislatures. “No one can stop women’s quota. It is only a matter of time before it becomes a reality,” he said.

The chief minister, who was accompanied by BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, accused the Congress of lacking commitment towards empowering women politically. He alleged that the party had historically resisted meaningful steps to ensure adequate representation of women in decision-making bodies.

“The Congress does not want strong participation of women in Parliament and assemblies. Their stand has once again exposed their mindset,” Majhi claimed, adding that the BJP remains committed to ensuring women get their rightful space in governance.

However, the claims triggered a sharp response from opposition parties. Both the BJD and the Congress alleged that the BJP was attempting to use the women’s reservation issue as a political tool to push forward the contentious delimitation exercise.

Opposition leaders argued that linking women’s quota with delimitation raised concerns over political motives, and maintained that they support reservation for women but not at the cost of altering electoral boundaries in a way they perceive as unfair.

The political tussle comes in the wake of the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, which had proposed reserving 33 per cent seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies. While the ruling BJP has vowed to continue its push for the legislation, the opposition remains divided over its timing and conditions.

The issue of women’s political representation has once again emerged as a key flashpoint between the ruling party and the opposition, setting the stage for further debate both inside and outside Parliament.