Jaipur, April 19: Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address, raising concerns about women’s reservation, redistricting, and the timing of the speech during ongoing elections.
In reaction to Modi’s comment that women across the country will teach Congress and opposition parties a lesson, Gehlot challenged the government’s confidence through his social media handle. He stated that if the Prime Minister is so assured, he should dissolve the Lok Sabha and seek a fresh mandate from the people on this issue.
Criticizing the proposed redistricting process, Gehlot argued that basing it on the 2011 census would be unjust, particularly for marginalized communities. He emphasized that waiting for the 2026 caste census is crucial, as redistricting based on the 2011 data would deprive women from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) of their rights. Once the caste census is completed, the actual population of OBCs will be revealed, ensuring fair and adequate reservation.
Gehlot also expressed strong objections to the timing of Modi’s speech, alleging that addressing such matters during elections in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu violates the model code of conduct. He claimed that delivering speeches during elections constitutes a breach of this code. However, he noted that no action would be taken, as the Election Commission has effectively become an extension of the BJP’s election department.
Gehlot’s remarks have added a new political dimension to the ongoing national debate on women’s reservation, caste census, and redistricting, intensifying the Congress leadership’s criticism of the central government. Previously, Gehlot had stated that the government plans to carry out arbitrary redistricting across the country. The entire opposition has expressed concerns about this process, similar to what was seen in states like Assam, revealing the government’s intentions.
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