Y.S. Sharmila Accuses PM Modi of ‘Delaying’ Women’s Reservation

Congress leader Y.S. Sharmila strongly criticised the Centre’s stance on the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill , alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach resembles that of an “innovative chameleon.” She accused the government of delaying reservations by bringing in the issue of delimitation (reorganisation of constituencies) under the guise of women’s empowerment. She made these remarks in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

Calling Modi a “deceptive strategist” , Sharmila alleged that the BJP was shedding “crocodile tears” while blaming the Opposition for the delay. She said it was “laughable” that the government had failed to implement the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023 , and instead shifted the blame onto Opposition parties. She asserted that the real betrayal of granting 33 per cent reservation to women lies with the Prime Minister, and advised the BJP to refrain from attacking the Opposition for political gains .

Congress demands

Sharmila stated that if the Prime Minister is genuinely committed to women’s empowerment , he should implement the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam–2023’ without delay and without linking it to delimitation . She demanded that 33 per cent reservation for women be ensured within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats .

She further called for scientific delimitation , suggesting that the 2026 Census be used as the basis. Additionally, she urged the Centre to conduct a nationwide caste census to determine the exact population of SCs, STs, and OBCs , and to allocate reservations accordingly during delimitation.

Sharmila also emphasised that smaller states must not be disadvantaged in the process, and that the Centre must ensure that southern states are not treated unfairly .

Criticising the Prime Minister further, she alleged that the BJP was using women as a shield to deflect criticism over attempts to alter the Constitution . “If you have the ability, complete the process of implementing women’s reservations before the 2029 elections ,” she challenged.