Priyanka Gandhi also demanded sub-quotas for SC, ST, and OBC women, warning that linking the bill to delimitation could delay its implementation.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, April 16, 2026 — Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday invoked history, political legacy, and present-day concerns while speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill and delimitation.
She traced the origins of women’s political representation in India to the Motilal Nehru Report, which outlined fundamental rights, including equality. She added that the 1931 Karachi Congress session further strengthened the principle of equal rights, embedding it firmly in India’s political framework. Highlighting India’s early progress, she noted that the country was ahead of many others in granting equal voting rights, unlike nations such as the United States which took longer to achieve similar milestones.
Crediting past Congress leadership, Priyanka Gandhi said the push for women’s political participation gained momentum under former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, whose government introduced 33% reservation for women in panchayats and municipalities. She described it as a transformative step that expanded women’s participation at the grassroots and laid the foundation for broader representation now being debated at the national level.
मोतीलाल नेहरू जी ने साल 1928 में एक रिपोर्ट तैयार की थी, जिसे उन्होंने कांग्रेस पार्टी की कार्यसमिति को सौंपा था।
मोतीलाल नेहरू जी एक समिति के अध्यक्ष थे और तब उन्होंने 19 मूल अधिकारों की सूची बनाई थी।
1931 में सरदार पटेल जी की अध्यक्षता में कराची अधिवेशन हुआ था, जिसमें इस… pic.twitter.com/n2wo5lpDrR
— Congress (@INCIndia) April 16, 2026
READ: Modi Assures No Bias in Women’s Reservation, Delimitation
While reiterating the Congress party’s support for women’s reservation, she expressed reservations about the current bill, saying the debate carries a “smell of politics.” She argued that although there is broad consensus on the principle of 33% reservation, questions remain over its timing, structure, and implementation framework.
Priyanka Gandhi also called for sub-quotas within the proposed reservation for SC, ST, and OBC women, stating that such provisions could be implemented immediately if there is sufficient political will. She warned that linking the bill to delimitation could delay its benefits and potentially harm the country by complicating the process.
She further questioned the ruling party’s stance on women’s reservation, pointing to past opposition to similar measures, particularly at the panhayat level. Referring to remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said the narrative suggested the BJP had long championed the cause, which she contested. She also mentioned that Rahul Gandhi had written to the Prime Minister in 2019 urging implementation of the bill.
In a pointed remark during the debate, Priyanka Gandhi said women voters are politically aware and can “see through” attempts to mislead them. She stressed that women today are capable of judging intent and actions, as exchanges between the government and Opposition continue over the proposed legislation.
