New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure and the former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Meira Kumar, was among the notable women leaders and activists seated in the forefront at the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan, where she voiced her endorsement for enhanced representation of women within legislative frameworks.

Her endorsement coincided with a pointed critique from Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and Rajya Sabha member Sonia Gandhi, who condemned the timing of the Bill, labeling it an "underhand tactic."

In her commentary, Sonia Gandhi scrutinized the government's abrupt change in stance, highlighting that in 2023, it dismissed the opposition's call for implementation in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

She also rebuked the Centre for neglecting repeated requests for an all-party meeting post the Assembly polls, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a unilateral decision-making process.

"Now, it is understood that Article 334-A will be revised to ensure women's reservation is applicable starting in 2029. What prompted the Prime Minister's reversal after 30 months? Why not hold a special session in a few weeks?" Sonia Gandhi urged, emphasizing the necessity of an all-party discussion.

"This logical request for an all-party meeting has been dismissed. Instead, the Prime Minister has opted for writing opinion pieces, appealing to political factions, and organizing 'sammelans'. This reflects a tactical maneuver that underscores the Prime Minister's tendency for one-upmanship and his 'my way or the highway' approach to governance," she added.

In the midst of this political dialogue, Prime Minister Modi, addressing the women leaders during the Sammelan on Monday, acknowledged Meira Kumar's presence. He emphasized her contributions and pointed out the gathering of various experienced leaders, including Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.

Meira Kumar stated on Monday that when the Bill is ultimately enacted, "we will feel that our struggle has reached its fulfillment and conclusion."

In an interview with IANS, the former Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Meira Kumar reflected, "I have been part of this journey, and this struggle has persisted for 30 years. Our efforts have spanned over three decades. Once it eventually materializes, we will perceive that our struggle has been accomplished and complete."

Meira Kumar is an accomplished Indian diplomat, politician, and government official, having served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014, marking her as the first woman to hold this esteemed position.

Kumar's attempt to retain her seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections was unsuccessful, as she was one of many Congress Party members who were voted out during the BJP's substantial victory. She vacated the Speaker’s role in early June after her term ended. In the 2017 presidential election, the UPA nominated her as their candidate, but she was decisively defeated by BJP's Ram Nath Kovind.