Panchkula (Haryana), April 6 (NationPress) Rajya Sabha MP and former Chair of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Rekha Sharma has given her firm endorsement to the Women’s Reservation Bill, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi for delivering on a critical commitment while launching a fierce critique of opposing parties.

In a discussion with IANS, she tackled the backlash surrounding the special three-day Parliament session, the Congress party's position, and comments from opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav.

Here is the complete interview:

IANS: What is your perspective on the Women’s Reservation Bill and the special three-day Parliament session?

Rekha Sharma: Prime Minister Modi has made a promise regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, and he is now honoring that commitment. While amendments are anticipated, the Bill is being introduced earlier than initially planned, which was projected for 2029.

Some political factions are fighting against it, as they are reluctant to provide proper representation for women even within their own parties.

In contrast, our party is dedicated to empowering women. When women engage significantly in politics, they will also contribute to rectifying minor flaws within the political framework.

True progress for the country will only occur when both women and men cooperate within legislative bodies.

The Bill also seeks to remedy longstanding regional disparities, particularly concerns voiced by southern states.

IANS: There are claims that the Congress party is not participating in discussions regarding the Bill. What are your thoughts on this?

Rekha Sharma: The Congress is worn out from successive electoral losses and lacks internal confidence. During its decade in power, it was unable to pass this Bill because some of its coalition leaders, including Mulayam Singh Yadav and Lalu Prasad Yadav, opposed it.

Even when the Bill was introduced and passed in the Rajya Sabha previously, it failed to progress in the Lok Sabha. Today, they must answer to the public, especially women. When approaching the electorate, what will they say— that they opposed such an essential Bill? Out of concern for public sentiment, they will eventually have to support it.

IANS: How do you react to the assertion that the BJP introduced the Bill to undermine Rahul Gandhi's chances of becoming Prime Minister?

Rekha Sharma: Even if the BJP had not brought forth this Bill, Rahul Gandhi would still not ascend to the Prime Ministership.

The matter transcends individual personas. Effective leadership demands trustworthiness and dedication to the nation. He will never attain that position.

IANS: Akhilesh Yadav is advocating for a caste census prior to the Bill's advancement. What is your take on this?

Rekha Sharma: This is not unprecedented. His father, Mulayam Singh Yadav, previously opposed the Bill, albeit in a different manner by diverting attention. They persist in attempting to shift focus elsewhere. Their primary goal seems to be opposing the government, without realizing they are also going against public interests. The electorate will ultimately hold them accountable.