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Opposition Criticize Government for Inaction against Lynching Culprits

Published

9 years ago

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Ghulam Nabi Azad

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Govt. says equally concerned

The NDA government had tough time in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday when opposition leaders alleged involvement of “some members of BJP and Sangh Parivar” in the growing number of lynching incidents, saying the incidents were spreading the message of fear.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of the Opposition, while attacking the government for its inaction against the culprits involved in the lynching incidents, said, “Earlier it was done at individual level. You may not like it, all lynching is done by some members of the ruling party and Sangh Parivar. They should have been jailed. Even I can identify hundreds. They are known to the media.” 

Azad insisted that no opposition party benefits from these incidents. He said, “one political party, the ruling party is benefiting. This is done for political harvest.”

Elsewhere in his speech, he said “This is not a religious battle. This is not Hindu-Muslim fight. This is everyone’s fight for humanity. When our home is weak, how can we fight the external forces… Our house has always been strong. Don’t break the house for votes,” he said. Azad further said that not a single place is safe, from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Azad cited the details about how atrocities and lynching incidents are taking place against Dalits, Muslims and Christians. He gave details of atrocities and lynching incidents of dozens of villages, districts a spread in various states. He described the harrowing situation all over the country, including the states ruled by Congress.

Sitaram Yechury, CPI (M) leader cited cases of lynching that took place over last two years and demanded that government should ban cow vigilante and moral   policing groups functioning as “private armies.” He suggested that fight against vigilante groups is necessary to maintain constitutional order. He even went further citing Bhagvat Gita, saying all humans are equal.

Yechuri alleged that “Hindutva nationalism” is giving sustenance to these groups. “This is not the Bharat Mata I know” he said and argued that Bharat Mata has place for people of all religions. He raised question as to why the only “Bharat Mata ki jai” slogan is considered patriotic. If that is the fact, “Was Bhagat Singh who gave “inquilab zindabad” slogan not patriotic?”

Mukhtar Abbas NaqviParticipating in the debate Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarawal said that government should bring a “stringent law” to curb the lynching incidents. He alleged that ruling party leaders were speaking in contradictory tones. PM says that strict action should be taken against those taking lives in the name of gau rakshaks, while Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parikar says something else, he said.

Agarawal alleged that the ruling party was behaving with “Moon Mein Ram Baghal Mein Chhuri” (You are having God’s name on lips and knives in your pockets) policy. He suggested that PM should call all Chief Ministers and direct them to take strict action against those indulging in lynching.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brein, while referring to PM’s statement against lynching incidents, said, “Empty words and generic comments will not work. Name the group. Name the individual. We are deeply suspicious.”

He suggested that the real term should be “cow terrorism” and not cow vigilantism. He said that not only the minorities and Dalits but also the powerful media houses were also being targeted. He asserted that, “We will not be cowed down to your political terrorism and political vendetta.”  

The TMC leader alleged that fake pictures were being circulated on social media by a BJP leader during recent violence in the state. But, he asserted, polarization will never happen in West Bengal. He appealed all opposition parties to join hands to fight BJP saying “We will get GST – growing strong together.”

Reacting to the opposition debate, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of Minority and Parliamentary Affairs said the government is equally concerned about the criminal incidents and everyone should speak in one voice to fight against “such destructive forces.” He said that Centre condemned such incidents and the states should take stringent legal action against those involved.

He said, “Please don’t give communal angle to these incidents. If you give, you are helping them…”

He also tried to calm down opposition by indirect allegations of such incidents under previous governments and in the states ruled by them.  He said, ‘”This is a conspiracy. Anyone could be doing it. I am not taking any party names. I don’t want to get into it.” He further added, “Whether lynching incidents happened before or now, strict legal action should be initiated against those involved.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Amit Shah counters delimitation concerns, says southern states to gain Lok Sabha seats

Amit Shah assures Parliament that southern states will gain Lok Sabha seats after delimitation, countering opposition criticism during the women’s reservation debate.

Published

3 hours ago

on

April 16, 2026

By

Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday addressed concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting in the Lok Sabha that southern states will not lose representation but instead see an increase in their number of seats.

His remarks came during a heated debate linked to the implementation of women’s reservation, where opposition parties have raised fears that population-based delimitation could reduce the political weight of southern states.

Shah rejected these claims, calling them misleading, and said the proposed framework ensures fairness while expanding the overall strength of the Lok Sabha.

Seat count to rise with expansion of Lok Sabha

The government has indicated that the total number of Lok Sabha seats could increase significantly as part of the delimitation process. In this expanded House, the combined representation of southern states is expected to rise from 129 seats at present to around 195 seats.

Shah emphasised that no state will lose seats in absolute terms, and the exercise is designed to reflect population changes while maintaining balance across regions.

State-wise projections shared in Parliament

During his address, Shah also provided indicative figures for individual southern states, suggesting notable increases in representation. According to the projections:

  • Tamil Nadu could see its seats rise substantially
  • Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are also expected to gain additional seats
  • Karnataka’s representation may increase as well

These figures were presented to counter the argument that delimitation would disproportionately favour northern states.

Political debate intensifies over linkage with women’s quota

The delimitation exercise has been closely linked to the rollout of women’s reservation, which proposes one-third seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

Opposition leaders have questioned this linkage, arguing that tying reservation to delimitation could delay its implementation and raise federal concerns. Some leaders have also warned that the move could impact national unity if apprehensions among states are not addressed.

The government, however, maintains that the reforms are necessary to ensure equitable representation and to align the electoral system with demographic realities.

Centre dismisses ‘false narrative’ on southern states

Shah reiterated that concerns about southern states losing influence are unfounded. He said the delimitation process will increase representation across regions and described the criticism as a “false narrative” aimed at creating confusion.

The issue is expected to remain a key flashpoint as Parliament continues discussions on the women’s reservation framework and related legislative changes.

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PM Modi assures no discrimination in women’s quota, delimitation debate intensifies in Parliament

PM Narendra Modi has assured that women’s reservation will be implemented without discrimination, amid a heated debate over delimitation in Parliament.

Published

10 hours ago

on

April 16, 2026

By

PM modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that there will be no discrimination in the implementation of women’s reservation, as Parliament witnessed a sharp debate over the proposed linkage between the quota and delimitation exercise.

During the ongoing special session, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair representation while addressing concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the timing and structure of the legislation.

The proposed framework aims to reserve 33 percent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. However, its implementation is tied to a fresh delimitation exercise, which is expected after the next census.

Opposition questions timing and intent

Opposition leaders have raised concerns that linking the women’s quota to delimitation could delay its implementation. They argue that the process of redrawing constituencies may push the actual rollout further into the future.

The issue has triggered a broader political confrontation, with multiple parties questioning whether the move could alter representation across states.

Some critics have also alleged that the delimitation exercise could disproportionately benefit certain regions based on population, a charge the government has rejected.

Government reiterates commitment to fair implementation

Responding to these concerns, the Centre has maintained that the reforms are necessary to ensure accurate and updated representation based on population data.

Leaders from the ruling side have repeatedly emphasized that the process will be carried out transparently and without bias. The assurance that there will be “no discrimination” is aimed at addressing fears among states and opposition parties.

The debate marks a key moment in Parliament, with both sides engaging in intense exchanges over one of the most significant electoral reforms in recent years.

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Give all tickets to Muslim women, Amit Shah says, attacking Akhilesh Yadav on sub-quota demand

A sharp exchange between Amit Shah and Akhilesh Yadav in Parliament over sub-quota for Muslim women highlights key divisions on women’s reservation implementation.

Published

12 hours ago

on

April 16, 2026

By

A heated exchange broke out in Parliament during discussions on the women’s reservation framework, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav locking horns over the demand for a sub-quota for Muslim women.

The debate unfolded as the government pushed forward key legislative measures to implement 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Akhilesh Yadav argued that the proposed reservation must ensure representation for women from marginalised communities, including Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Muslim women. He said that without such provisions, large sections could remain excluded from political participation.

He also questioned the timing of the bill, alleging that the Centre was avoiding a caste census. According to him, a census would lead to renewed demands for caste-based reservations, which the government is reluctant to address.

Government rejects religion-based quota

Responding to the demand, Amit Shah made it clear that reservation based on religion is not permitted under the Constitution.

He stated that any proposal to provide quota to Muslims on religious grounds would be unconstitutional, firmly rejecting the idea of a separate sub-quota for Muslim women within the broader reservation framework.

The government has maintained that the existing framework already includes provisions for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) women within the overall reservation structure.

Wider political divide over implementation

The issue of sub-categorisation within the women’s quota has emerged as a major flashpoint, even as most opposition parties broadly support the idea of women’s reservation.

Samajwadi Party leaders reiterated that their support for the bill depends on inclusion of OBC and minority women, while the government continues to defend its constitutional position.

The debate is part of a broader discussion during the special Parliament session, where multiple bills linked to delimitation and implementation of the women’s quota are being taken up.

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