Calling the move a “calculated capitulation”, Tagore further alleged that Naidu’s stand would harm the representation of backward women in parliament in the absence of proper caste registration.
“Instead of fighting it, he talks about promoting bigger families, anything but confronting injustice. And by supporting this movement before a proper caste registration, he is effectively closing the door on BC women who should enter Parliament through the Women’s Reservation Act. This is not leadership. This is calculated surrender. From betrayal of family to betrayal, he said the pattern is clear.”
The government is planning to implement women’s reservation before the 2029 General Elections through an amendment to the 2023 Act and a constitutional amendment aimed at decoupling the delimitation process from the 2027 census.
Under the proposal, the number of Lok Sabha seats is set to increase to 850, with 815 seats for states and 35 for Union territories, from the current 543 seats.
The Center has called a special session of the Assembly from April 16 to 18.
