Mumbai, April 20 (NationPress) NCP(SP) Working President and MP, Supriya Sule, delivered a fierce critique of the Central Government on Monday, questioning the procrastination in executing the Women’s Reservation Bill. Engaging with the media, Sule asked why, despite the Bill's unanimous passage in 2023, women are still left waiting for their promised 33 percent representation in 2026.

"This isn't merely a reservation issue; it’s a Delimitation Bill," Sule emphasized, expressing her exasperation over the association of women’s reservation with the 2011 Census and delimitation processes.

“The Women's Reservation Bill was unanimously approved by Parliament in 2023. Now, we find ourselves in 2026. What’s causing the hold-up? We anticipated that implementation would occur by the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. I urge the government to act immediately and grant 33 percent reservation to women within the current 543 parliamentary seats. We are fully prepared,” she declared.

She further pointed out that the constitutional amendments necessary for the reservation were settled three years ago, indicating that the ongoing delays reflect a lack of political commitment rather than legal obstacles.

In response to remarks from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who labeled the Opposition as "anti-women," Sule expressed her dissatisfaction. “I expected more from Devendra Fadnavis. He is educated and a thoughtful leader. He knows for certain that the Bill was passed in 2023. It appears he’s merely regurgitating a 'briefing note' or feeling pressured from Delhi to adhere to party rhetoric,” she stated.

Sule reminded the CM of Maharashtra's legacy, noting it was the first state to offer reservation for women during Sharad Pawar’s chief ministership. She added that even BJP’s female leaders had expressed gratitude to Sharad Pawar at that time. “I am open to debating this matter with CM Fadnavis. He can choose the time and place,” she challenged.

Sule stressed that there’s no link between delimitation and women’s safety or rights. She demanded immediate implementation of 33 percent reservation within the existing 543 parliamentary seats, asserting that the Opposition has consistently supported and will continue to advocate for women’s empowerment.

“Don't accuse us of being anti-women. We were integral in the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023. The initiative now lies with the Government,” Sule stated.

Sule also criticized the recent three-day special session of Parliament, deeming it a misallocation of taxpayer resources. “What was the purpose of a three-day session while elections are happening in four states? What was accomplished?” she questioned. She wondered why the government remained silent on the escalating crisis in West Asia while Parliament was in session for “no significant results.”

She also broached the topic of the Caste Census, pointing out that although the government made verbal commitments, no funding has been allocated for it in the Union Budget. “If there was an agreement on a Caste Census, why hasn’t it commenced? The government simply lacks the intention to pursue it,” she concluded.