K’taka CM, DyCM target Centre over women’s quota, delimitation bill

The BJP Mahila Morcha announced protests across the state in response to the defeat of the reservation bill. State president KC Manjula said demonstrations had already begun in several towns and would continue until the Congress government is removed from power in Karnataka.

Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka assembly, R Ashoka, blamed the Congress for the bill’s defeat, claiming it denied women political representation and warning that the public will judge the party in upcoming state elections.

Shivakumar rejected allegations that the Congress opposes women’s reservation, stressing that women are the nation’s asset. He noted that Congress had passed 50% reservation for women in local bodies and reaffirmed ongoing support for women’s representation.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticised the manner in which the bill was introduced, stating that opposition parties were not consulted and that broader consultation was needed. He argued that the move could redraw constituencies to favor northern states and reduce southern representation, framing the development as a victory for the INDIA alliance.

In Haveri district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched development works and criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using the women’s reservation issue for electoral advantage. He asserted that the Congress has never opposed women’s reservation and highlighted the party’s past support for women’s representation. He warned that the delimitation bill could shift political power away from smaller states like Karnataka, noting potential seat changes that could benefit larger northern states.

The 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, proposing women’s reservation and delimitation, was defeated in Parliament. The development prompted reactions from Karnataka leaders, who attributed the outcome to political dynamics and criticized the Centre.