Priyanka Gandhi slams Modi govt over constitutional amendment bill, warns of threat to democracy
New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government, stating that democratic institutions in India are being weakened and warning that the new constitutional amendment bill represents an “open attack” on democracy.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking in the Lok Sabha during a debate on three bills related to amendments in the women’s reservation law and the proposed delimitation process, Priyanka Gandhi questioned why the government could not implement 33 per cent reservation for women within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats.
She said that while there is “much talk” about women’s empowerment, the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are being undermined, adding that the proposed changes could reduce the influence of smaller states and weaken federal representation.
Referring to the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats up to 850 based on the 2011 Census, she said the plan appeared “politically motivated” and raised concerns about the role of the proposed delimitation commission.
“The Government began finishing off democracy by putting pressure on institutions, such as the Election Commission, the judiciary, the media etc., but now, an open attack on democracy is being launched,” Priyanka Gandhi said.
If this Constitution amendment bill is passed in Parliament, democracy will be finished in India, she added.
