'Using Women to Stay in Power': Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP, Says It's An Attempt To Change India’s Political Map

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke in the Lok Sabha on the Women's Reservation Bill, backing the idea of women's empowerment but strongly questioning the government's intent.

His speech mixed personal experiences, political criticism, and sharp attacks on the ruling BJP, as he raised concerns over representation, caste census, and electoral changes.

"Women Are a Central Driving Force in Our Lives"

Beginning his speech on a personal note, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the importance of women in shaping society and individual lives. He said:

"Women are a central driving force in our national perspective. All of us have been influenced, talked to, and learned a lot from women in our lives-our mothers, sisters, wives. As Rijiju ji said, of course PM Modi and I do not have this wife issue... so we don't get that input, but we have our mothers and sisters."
He also shared a light moment in the House, referring to his sister Priyanka Gandhi:

"Yesterday my sister achieved something in 5 minutes that I was not able to do in 20 years of my political career-which is making Amit Shah ji smile. And I was feeling very proud."

A Childhood Story and a Political Lesson

Rahul Gandhi then narrated a childhood incident to explain a deeper political message. He recalled how he was once afraid of darkness and animals as a child, and how his grandmother taught him a powerful lesson.

"She took me into a dark garden and left me there. I was terrified... imagining everything-a dog, snakes, ghosts. When she came back, she said, 'You are not scared of all this, you are scared of your imagination.'"

He added:
"She told me, you should not be scared of the darkness, because most of the truth is in the darkness. If you don't have the courage to face it, you will never face the truth."
Calling it a lifelong lesson, he said this idea is even more relevant in politics today. He summed it up with:

"Satyam Shivam Sundaram."

"This Is Not Truly a Women's Bill"

While addressing the core issue, Rahul Gandhi questioned the government's intention behind the Bill.

"The first truth that needs to be told in the House is-this is not a women's bill. This has nothing to do with the empowerment of women."

He pointed out that a similar bill was passed in 2023 but its implementation was delayed:
"My friends in BJP said it will be implemented in 10 years. This is an attempt to change the electoral map of India using and hiding behind India's women."

Concerns Over Caste Census and Representation

Rahul Gandhi raised serious concerns about the lack of representation for backward communities. He said:

"There is a central truth in India's history... the brutal, cruel, and unforgiving treatment of the OBC community, Dalits, and women. This is a historical fact."

He alleged that the government is trying to bypass caste-based representation:
"What is being attempted here is the bypass of the caste census. They are trying to avoid giving power and representation to OBC brothers and sisters."

Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said:

"Amit Shah ji said the caste census has begun and repeated that 'houses don't have caste'. The real question is whether caste census will be used for representation in Parliament."

He added:

"You are trying to ensure that caste census has nothing to do with representation for the next 50 years."

Allegations of Political Motive and Electoral Changes

Rahul Gandhi accused the government of trying to reshape India's political map for its own benefit.

"You are scared of what is happening in politics. You are trying to re-engineer the Indian political map. You have done it in Assam, in J&K, and now you want to do it across India."

He also warned southern and northeastern states:

"You are telling southern states, northeastern states, and small states that to remain in power, you will take away their representation."

Calling it serious, he said:

"This is an anti-national act, and we will not allow it."

Sharp Attack on BJP

In a strong political attack, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of not giving space to marginalized communities.

"You call OBCs Hindus, you call Dalits Hindus, but you do not give them space in this country."

He assured regional states:

"I want to assure the southern states and northeastern states-don't worry. We are not going to allow them to attack the Union of India."

"Don't Hide Behind the People of India"

Rahul Gandhi also alleged that the Bill was introduced as a political move.
"The BJP knew this bill cannot be passed. This was a panic reaction because the PM needed to send two messages-change the electoral map of India and show he is pro-women."

He further added:

"There is confusion in BJP. They think they are the people of India-but they are not. We are not attacking the people of India or the armed forces-we are attacking YOU. So do not hide behind the people of India. Stop hiding like cowards."

Final Remark With a Hint of Mystery

Concluding his speech, Rahul Gandhi made an unusual remark referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
"Yesterday I was listening to PM Modi speaking... very low energy. Suddenly I realised it is 16th April. The whole puzzle is in the number 16. Let me know if you get the answer."

With this he ended his speech.