Kamal Ghorui
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Thursday rejected the opposition’s charge that the proposed delimitation would leave southern states with lower shares, the centrepiece of their refusal to support three bills for amendment of the women’s quota law and to set up a delimitation commission. Speaking in Lok Sabha, the PM said, “I say with full responsibility from this august place that this decision will not discriminate against anyone. If you want me to say I guarantee that, then I guarantee that. If you want me to make a promise, I will make that. If you want me to use the Tamil equivalent, I’m ready for that as well.”Speaking against the backdrop of unremitting opposition from the parties, which remained unpersuaded and seemed set to defeat the constitutional amendment bills, the PM said those who foiled the passage of the bills in 2010 had to pay a heavy price. NDA with its tally of 294 will need support from a section of opposition to reach the two-thirds majority – 360 in the full House of 540.The govt has maintained that southern states’ share in LS won’t decline due to delimitation required for implementation of 33% quota in Parliament and state legislatures.Modi did not appear sanguine about the outcome and said it would be known in due course of time – “number ka game to samay tay karega”. But he did not let adverse numbers come in the way of a vigorous espousal of women’s quota. “This is an important moment in the history of our nation and we should not miss it,” he said.In his 37-minute speech, Modi mostly struck a non-partisan note. “You say and seem to fear that Modi will gain politically if bills get passed. I say you take the credit. If you say I can write a blank cheque saying so. I will take out advertisements at govt’s expense, giving you credit and acknowledging your contribution,” he said.Modi said he has used “we” to emphasise it should be a collective endeavour. “It is our cultural commitment as the mother of democracy,” he said. Modi said that “it is three decades since the idea of a quota for women in legislatures was conceived”, adding that it was time “we all atoned for the delay”.But the exhortation came along with the warning of the consequences of thwarting the move. “Remember this matter is not confined to political class alone. It has seeped into popular consciousness because women who’ve benefited from reservations in panchayats feel empowered. Those who oppose it will have to pay consequences for a long time to come.”
