Bharatiya Janata Party units in Nagaland accuse Opposition of blocking women’s reservation and defend delimitation plans to expand parliamentary representation.
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DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG/KIPHIRE — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) units in Nagaland on Tuesday criticised opposition parties over their stand on women’s reservation, alleging that their actions in Parliament have obstructed efforts to enhance women’s representation, while defending the proposed delimitation exercise.
Dimapur: At a press conference held at the BJP office in Dimapur, BJP Dimapur president Shekishe Awomi said the proposal for 33% reservation for women in Parliament reflects the party’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in decision-making.
He stated that the move, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to expand the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to around 850 through delimitation. According to him, the opposition alliance has “misconstrued” the intent of the bill and created “false narratives”, which he claimed have hindered its progress.
Responding to questions on linking reservation with delimitation, BJYM state general secretary Likao Odyuo said the current parliamentary structure is based on the 1971 Census, when India’s population was about 54 crore, whereas it now exceeds 140 crore, necessitating an expansion of seats. He added that delimitation based on available data, such as the 2011 Census, is required to move the process forward.
On concerns that delimitation could reduce the representation of smaller states, Awomi said apprehensions—particularly among parties in southern states—are misplaced. He cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assurance that proportional representation of southern states will be protected and even increased.
Also read: Nagaland Congress accuses BJP of linking women’s quota to delimitation for political gain
BJP State Council member Kahuli expressed disappointment over the opposition’s stance, stating that while opposition parties publicly supported women’s reservation, they failed to vote in its favour. She said this had caused frustration among women who expected greater unity on the issue.
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Dimapur district Mahila BJP president Aboli V Awomi said the initiative under Modi’s leadership aims to empower women and called for women’s voices to be given due importance.
On questions about the delay in implementation, Awomi said the bill, introduced in 2023, was kept on hold with the condition that it coincides with the upcoming Lok Sabha election, adding that the BJP is working to ensure women benefit from the provision.
When asked about broader issues such as women’s safety and rights, Awomi said he may not be able to provide a comprehensive response but maintained that the BJP has been making efforts to protect women’s rights in various aspects.
He also said he could not confirm whether the Naga People’s Front (NPF), an alliance partner, had been consulted on delimitation, but assumed discussions may have taken place within the alliance framework.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, BJP district leaders accused the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and DMK of betraying women by opposing key legislations in Parliament on April 16 and the 17th.
Addressing a press conference at the party office, district president O Tinu Longkumer, state spokesperson S Bendang Aier, and Mahila Morcha leaders said the rejection of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill had blocked reforms aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance.
Aier said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that women’s participation in policymaking is a fundamental right, not an act of generosity. He warned that those who opposed the measures may face backlash from women voters in future elections.
He also cited Amit Shah’s clarification that delimitation would not disadvantage any state and would safeguard and even enhance representation of southern states.
The leaders alleged that demands for religion-based reservations within the women’s quota were being raised deliberately to delay the process, terming such moves as political diversion.
They further stated that by opposing the bills, the parties had “lost the trust of half the population of the country”, and described the opposition’s conduct as “anti-women” and “undemocratic”.
Reaffirming their stand, BJP leaders said the party would continue to push for women’s empowerment and ensure greater participation of women in governance.
Kiphire: Meanwhile, in Kiphire, BJP district president Tali C Sangtam also criticised opposition parties for their stand during the parliamentary discussions.
He said the bills under discussion were crucial for strengthening democracy and increasing women’s participation in decision-making, and alleged that opposition parties had displayed an anti-women mindset by opposing them.
Sangtam said the prime minister has emphasised that women’s participation in policymaking is their natural right, not a favour, and warned that those who blocked the measures could face public reaction, especially from women voters.
He also reiterated Amit Shah’s assurance that delimitation would not harm any state and would protect representation of southern states.
Accusing the opposition of creating delays, Sangtam said demands such as religion-based reservation within quotas were being used to mislead the public and divert attention.
He maintained that the BJP remains committed to women’s empowerment and strengthening democracy, and expressed confidence that women voters would respond decisively in future elections.