Controversy Erupts Over Women's Reservation and Governance in Himachal Pradesh

In a sharp critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Himachal Pradesh's Revenue Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, asserted that the party has been misleading the public on the women's reservation issue. During an interview with ANI in Shimla, Negi claimed that although the Women's Reservation Bill has been passed and is now law, the BJP's reluctance to implement it reflects ulterior motives. He accused the party of exploiting delimitation as a strategic tool to gain political leverage.

Negi expressed concern over the potential skewing of seat allocations through delimitation, which he argued benefits populous states while marginalizing smaller ones like Himachal Pradesh. This, he said, undermines the federal principle by enabling larger states to dominate law-making processes, thereby diminishing the voice of smaller states in the national legislative forum.

Addressing intra-party issues, Negi responded to senior Congress leader Viplove Thakur's critique of insufficient women leaders in 71 block units, emphasizing internal party resolution mechanisms. He assured that women are receiving representation across different levels and highlighted the need for discipline and coordination within the party. Negi also dismissed linking a murder case in Mandi to broader law and order problems and called for a closer examination of corruption allegations in eco-tourism within the Forest Department.