New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the RSS during a public rally in Ponneri in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district.
He accused them of targeting the state’s language and cultural identity.
Addressing supporters, Gandhi said such actions create a strong personal connection for him with Tamil Nadu. “When I see them attack Tamil Nadu, its language and culture, I feel as if I am Tamil,” he said.
He added that Tamil Nadu holds a special place in his heart. He said his bond with the state has grown over time. He also said that like Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu gives him a sense of belonging.
Concerns over delimitation
Gandhi also spoke about delimitation and raised concerns about its impact on south Indian states. He alleged that recent steps by the Centre could reduce the political strength of states like Tamil Nadu.
He said such changes could affect fair representation in the country and alter the balance in Parliament.
Political row over bill
His remarks come amid a political dispute over a proposed bill linked to women’s reservation and delimitation. Opposition parties have argued that the proposal could change the structure of political representation.
The bill failed to pass in Parliament, triggering strong reactions from both the government and the Opposition.
Gandhi said the Opposition had stopped what he called an attack on constitutional values. “We have defeated this attack on the Constitution…We have clearly said that this is not a women’s reservation bill, but it is a way to change India’s political and electoral structures,” he said.
Call to revive 2023 law
The Leader of the Opposition urged the government to bring back the earlier version of the women’s reservation bill passed in 2023. “I am saying to the Prime Minister right now that if you want the women’s reservation bill, then bring the 2023 women’s bill and implement it from today. The entire Opposition will support you and we will ensure the women’s bill is implemented immediately,” Gandhi added.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the proposal. She said the bill was not truly about women’s reservation but about protecting democratic values.
“We can never agree to linking delimitation with women’s reservation. It was not possible that this bill would pass. This is a big win for democracy in our country,” she said. She also questioned the government’s claims on women’s rights and said, “Those who did not take any action in Hathras, Unnao and Manipur are talking about an anti-women mindset?”
