New Delhi, August 23: Congress MP Tarek Anwar has responded to BJP leader Smriti Irani’s comments regarding Rahul Gandhi. He stated that Irani seems unaware that the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in 2023, yet no notification has been issued by 2026. Anwar labeled Gandhi as a champion for students, asserting that the BJP’s tactics regarding reservation reforms aim to divide Gen Z.
In response to Irani’s remarks about Gandhi, Anwar said, “Smriti Irani does not know that the Women’s Reservation Bill was unanimously passed in 2023. We expected some framework to be prepared by 2024, but it has been delayed until 2026 without any notification. Their issue is delimitation; they want parliament to approve it regardless of whether reservations are implemented.”
Regarding Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana’s alleged disrespect towards the national anthem, Anwar pointed out the BJP’s double standards. He noted, “On one hand, they try to undermine Congress regarding the national song, while on the other, their own president leaves an official ceremony before the anthem concludes.”
On Union Minister Chirag Paswan’s comments about reservation, Anwar agreed, stating, “Chirag is correct that this is a constitutional right. Our Constituent Assembly established this, and criteria were set for it. Reservations are granted to those who meet these criteria. If we want to change the reservation criteria in the Constitution, we must amend the Constitution itself.”
Commenting on Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak’s meeting with a delegation related to reservation reform, Anwar said, “We believe this is a ploy by the BJP to create divisions among upper castes, OBCs, and Dalit communities. There is no other way to stop Gen Z.”
Regarding the ‘Batman’ poster featuring Rahul Gandhi, Anwar emphasized Gandhi’s commitment to student protests. He stated, “He stood with the students, demanding an FIR when the police were reluctant to file one. He even protested in front of the Prime Minister’s residence. He is indeed a champion.”
On the NDA’s consideration of holding Lok Sabha elections in 2029 alongside assembly elections in 22 states and union territories, Anwar remarked, “First, pass the bill. Preparing for it is a different matter. If we are discussing One Nation, One Election, the Prime Minister and Amit Shah must first engage all political parties and opposition-led state governments. This will be a significant decision.”
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