New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) On Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vehemently criticized Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for her recent commentary regarding the Women's Reservation Bill. They questioned her motives for wanting to postpone the legislation, accusing the Congress party of engaging in 'opportunistic politics'.

In an opinion piece published in The Hindu, Sonia Gandhi expressed that the primary issue surrounding the Centre's forthcoming special session of Parliament on April 16 is delimitation, rather than women's reservation. She described this matter as 'extremely dangerous' and labeled it an 'assault on the Constitution'.

Gandhi further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attempting to 'delay and derail' the caste census, implying that the timing and method of the proposed legislative actions reveal deeper political agendas.

Moreover, she criticized the ruling government for ignoring multiple requests from opposition parties for an all-party meeting after the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, set for April 29.

In response, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh stated to IANS, 'The Congress party, led by the Gandhi–Nehru family, failed to ensure the safety and empowerment of women for 70 years, stalling the advancement of half the population. During Congress's tenure, there was only silence and obstacles regarding women's rights, and they continue this hypocrisy today. Women across the nation are seeking answers from Congress.'

Chugh emphasized that citizens are expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for reviving the Bill.

'Now, the Prime Minister has removed the Bill from cold storage, granting 33 percent reservation to women through the Nari Shakti Vandan initiative. In contrast, Congress remains mired in opportunistic politics,' he added.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo also condemned Sonia Gandhi's comments, stating, 'It has taken nearly 80 years for women to secure reservation. What is Sonia Gandhi really saying? Does she desire further delays? When the Women's Reservation Bill was first presented during her government, leaders from the Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal even tore the Bill's pages before her.'

'Thanks to the Prime Minister, this progress is now achievable. Yet, Congress still objects. Why would Sonia Gandhi, herself a woman, wish to hinder this Bill? We are committed to securing women's rights,' he affirmed.

Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal added, 'The BJP and NDA have consistently prioritized women's representation in politics. The Congress's obstinacy against the Women's Reservation Bill will only lead to their rejection by the people.'

The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP, also expressed support for the Bill and criticized Congress's stance.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC remarked to IANS, 'This Bill is crucial at this moment. The women of this country have waited 27 long years. If we are contesting for 181 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha, it signifies a significant tribute, as opportunities allow for the demonstration of talent.'

She expressed her astonishment, 'It is shocking that Sonia Gandhi, a woman, has done nothing for 33 percent reservation and has only made excuses over the past 27 years. Meanwhile, PM Modi, a man, is actively supporting this initiative and engaging with all stakeholders to encourage backing for the Bill. Shouldn't she also come forward to support it? Only Congress can explain their opposition,' she concluded.