Guwahati: Assam Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday came down heavily on the BJP-led central government over proposed constitutional changes related to women’s reservation and delimitation.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Guarav Gogoi reacted strongly to the proposed 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, alleging that the government had attempted to politically frame key constitutional and electoral issues under the guise of women’s empowerment.
He claimed that the ruling party tried to push its agenda by linking women’s reservation with the process of delimitation and constituency restructuring, which, according to him, could negatively impact smaller states and communities with lower populations.
“The opposition stood united to stop this attempt. We have protected the Constitution from being misused for political gains,” Gogoi said.
Gogoi also questioned why the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill, introduced three years ago, has still not been implemented.
He asked what was preventing the government from putting the law into effect if it was genuinely committed to women’s empowerment. According to him, the delay raises doubts about the real intention behind the legislation.
He further alleged that the hidden focus behind the entire exercise was not just women’s reservation, but also the delimitation of constituencies, which could alter political representation in a manner that may disadvantage smaller states and indigenous communities.
The Congress leader also raised the issue of the Assam Accord, stating that despite repeated assurances, its full implementation has yet to take place.
He said the Union Home Minister has made several promises on different issues, but many of them, including those related to Assam, remain unfulfilled.
Gogoi also stressed that the opposition continues to raise concerns with the Centre on issues affecting Assam, including governance, federal structure, and the rights of local communities.
Further, Gogoi claimed that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was showing signs of frustration over current political developments. He also said that the Chief Minister Sarma would have to step down from his post on May 4.
He referred to recent allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera, saying that several issues are now coming to light in the political landscape.
On the issue of law and order, Gogoi said the Assam Police should work in the interest of the people and maintain neutrality. He added that law enforcement must not function under political pressure and should ensure justice and fairness for all citizens.
Reiterating the opposition’s position, Gogoi said the Constitution must not be altered or interpreted in a way that serves political convenience. He claimed that opposition parties acted collectively to resist what he described as an attempt to politicise constitutional amendments.