Women's reservation driven by politics, not empowerment: Himachal PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 19 (ANI): Vikramaditya Singh, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday criticised the Centre over the Women's Reservation, alleging that it was introduced with political motives rather than a genuine intent of women's empowerment.

Reacting to the Prime Minister's address to the nation, Singh said that the government brought the bill in its present form without linking it to other conditions, and it would have received unanimous support across the political spectrum.

"The entire country and the Opposition would have stood with the government, but this was driven purely by political strategy, which has backfired," he said.

He rejected allegations of "dynastic politics" often levelled at opposition parties, stating that women leaders from political families are actively participating in public life.

Citing examples such as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Dimple Yadav, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi and Supriya Sule, he said there was no shortage of strong women leaders in the Opposition.

Singh termed it "unfortunate" to question the Opposition's commitment to women's representation and said the issue should not be politicised.

While welcoming the Prime Minister, he added that any legislation seeking bipartisan support should also be brought through a consultative process. "If the government were serious, it should have convened an all-party meeting and held wider consultations.

Instead, an attempt was made to push the bill through in the Lok Sabha without consensus, which ultimately failed," he said. The minister also rejected claims that opposing the bill amounted to disrespecting the Constitution's framers, including BR Ambedkar.