Akhilesh Yadav Stirs Debate Over Women's Reservation Bill Amid Census Concerns

In a fiery address outside Parliament on Thursday, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed concerns over the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill, highlighting a lack of clarity on population data and caste inclusion. Yadav affirmed the party's support for the bill while questioning its timing and underlying motives.

The SP leader criticized the government's decision to introduce the bill without conducting a fresh population census or addressing backward class inclusion. Addressing the media, Yadav questioned the hasty implementation of the bill, spotlighting the need for updated demographic insights to guide constituency restructuring.

Yadav's criticisms come amid ongoing debates in the Lok Sabha, where he accused the Centre of delaying the census to avoid demands for caste-based enumeration. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah rejected religion-based reservation proposals, asserting their unconstitutionality and confirming plans for a 2027 Census that includes caste enumeration.