This Parliament’s winter session expressly states that no bill will be passed without resistance. Meanwhile, Congress has pledged to fight any attempt by the Modi government to “push through” a law that would raise the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years old in Parliament, believing the goal is “very dubious and driven.” It has expressed reservations in light of reports that the administration may introduce the bill as early as this week. The move by Congress strengthens opposition to the idea from other opposition parties, who are demanding that the bill be referred to a standing committee for review.
KC Venugopal, the AICC general secretary (organization), believes the administration made the choice without the participation of other members of parliament and without holding thorough consultations with other stakeholders before moving forward with the idea. As a result, the Congress opposes any attempt by the government to get such a bill through.”
“If the Modi government is truly serious and committed to the cause of women empowerment, it should, instead, immediately bring up the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill, proposing two-thirds reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, for passing in Parliament rather than sitting on it,” Venugopal, a key political advisor to the Gandhis, said. The women’s quota law, which was enacted by the Rajya Sabha during the UPA-2 government, now needs to be approved by the Lok Sabha he added.
