‘Not Nari Shakti, But BJP Shakti’: Sanjay Raut Slams Centre Over Reservation Bill

A special session of Parliament begins today to implement women’s reservation. The session will continue for the next two days. The bill, officially titled the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’, aims to implement 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies from the 2029 general elections. For this, a constitutional amendment will be introduced.

At present, the Lok Sabha has 543 members, but this number could increase to around 850 after delimitation. In Maharashtra, Lok Sabha seats may rise from 48 to 72. 

Reacting to this, Raut strongly criticised the move, saying there was no need to bring such a bill when elections are due in five states. He also alleged that this is not a “Nari Shakti” bill but a “BJP Shakti” bill.

Sanjay Raut said, “This bill was passed in September 2023. The central government is misleading the country. There were important provisions regarding the census in the bill that was passed, but no discussion was held on them. It was said that the bill would be implemented as per the 2011 census”, Raut added. 

“The government is calling it historic. If you want to give 33% reservation to women, do it within the existing strength of 543 MPs, we have no objection. But you want to increase the number to over 800, redraw constituencies as per your convenience, and impose this bill. We strongly oppose this. This is not a Nari Shakti bill, this is a BJP Shakti bill. We will not allow this bill to be passed in Parliament,” he warned.

He further said, “This is a strategy of the central government. There was no need to bring this bill when elections are being held in five states. The way the government is acting while pushing this women’s reservation bill, it should not talk about history. This bill will be defeated through voting”, said the Raut. 

Further, Raut said, “At present, the government’s strength is 292, it may go up to 300 at most. We are all working together. The Samajwadi Party has significant numbers, the Trinamool Congress has strong numbers, Congress has close to 100 seats, and together NCP and Shiv Sena have around 17 to 20 seats. No one should remain under the illusion that this bill will pass easily,” he added.

Raut also said that discussions are underway with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure that all Trinamool Congress MPs remain present during the voting in Parliament. He added that during the opposition meeting, it was decided that Uddhav Thackeray would speak with her on the matter.