"The BJP is not serious about empowering women": TMC MP Derek O’Brien over the Women’s Reservation Bill

Speaking on the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien said that he wholeheartedly supports the bill but the BJP is ‘not serious about empowering women.’ Stating examples from the state of West Bengal, as well as the plight of women across the country, the TMC MP stated that the efforts made by the ruling government are not sincere, and are politically motivated. "It is one thing to give tickets. Another to give tickets that are winnable", said Derek O’Brien. Moreover, he urged the government to bring a women’s reservation to the Rajya Sabha as well.

"In 2021, before the Bengal assembly elections, the men came with money, media, muscle power and misogyny and mocked her, "Didi O Didi." You broke her foot. Smashed it. She gave you an answer truly like a woman. Softly. The people of Bengal answered for her," said the TMC MP taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a speech he had delivered during the 2021 election campaign in West Bengal. "After the election what happened? Bengal's health ministry, finance ministry, land, industry and commerce ministries are all headed by women. You could not find one woman in 16 NDA states for Chief Minister," he added, highlighting the fact that none of the states ruled by the BJP are governed by a woman Chief Minister.

O’Brien also quoted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as saying, “This Bill will drown the Indian political system if it goes through…If men develop feminine traits, they become gods, but if women develop masculine traits they become demons… Western ideas of women’s liberation should be properly analysed in the Indian context.” The TMC MP further stated that the BJP government is not serious about actually empowering the women of India, and asked the ruling government to ‘change their mindset first.’

“I've got a suggestion. Get everyone on board, have a proper discussion on the subject, and then bring 1/3rd reservation for women also in Rajya Sabha. We will all support it. It can't be done in a hurry, but it is possible,” said Derek O’Brien in his speech, demanding that the government present a similar bill securing seats for women in the Rajya Sabha.

‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ or the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, taking it a step closer to being law with 454 votes in favor of it, and 2 against it. The bill seeks to reserve 33% of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats for women.​