Rahul Gandhi questions intent of Women’s Reservation Bill, says it fails to ensure real empowerment
April 17, 2026: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, delivered a sharp critique of the Women’s Reservation Bill during the special Parliament session, raising questions about its intent and impact on inclusive representation. While acknowledging the crucial role of women in society, he argued that the current framework does not adequately address empowerment or representation for all sections.
Gandhi began his remarks by emphasising the influence of women in shaping both personal and national journeys, calling them a “driving force” in India’s collective imagination. However, he quickly shifted to criticism, asserting that the bill, in its present form, does not fulfil its stated objective of empowering women.
Taking a direct swipe at the government, Gandhi said, “This is not a women’s bill; this has nothing to do with empowerment of women.” He further signalled a broader opposition pushback, stating that the opposition would collectively challenge the government’s approach during the parliamentary proceedings.