Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Congress Chief Vinay Kumar Questions Timing of Women’s Reservation Bill, Calls for Immediate Implementation
Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Vinay Kumar on Wednesday raised questions over the timing and intent behind the Women’s Reservation Bill, suggesting that its reintroduction in Parliament may be politically motivated rather than aimed at immediate implementation.
Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Vinay Kumar on Wednesday raised questions over the timing and intent behind the Women’s Reservation Bill, suggesting that its reintroduction in Parliament may be politically motivated rather than aimed at immediate implementation.
Addressing a press conference, Kumar pointed out that the Bill had already been passed in 2023 with broad consensus across political parties. He expressed concern over its linkage with the delimitation process, arguing that such a move could delay its implementation and create what he termed as “political optics.”
“The Bill has already been cleared with consensus. It should now be implemented without further delay. The Congress party has never opposed it,” Kumar said, reiterating the party’s long-standing support for women’s representation in governance.
Rejecting allegations from the BJP that Congress is anti-women, Kumar highlighted the party’s historical record of promoting women to top constitutional roles, including Prime Minister, President, and Lok Sabha Speaker. He emphasized that women’s empowerment has always been central to the Congress party’s ideology.
Responding to questions about the absence of women block presidents in recent organizational appointments, Kumar clarified that due process was followed. He noted that in some cases, no female candidates had applied for the positions.
On the performance of the state government, Kumar stated that work on six key guarantees has already begun, while the remaining promises will be fulfilled within the current tenure. He also claimed that the Congress government has generated more employment opportunities compared to the previous regime.
Looking ahead to the upcoming municipal corporation elections, Kumar said the party will focus on local issues specific to each urban body. Preparations are already underway, including the appointment of election in-charges to strengthen the party’s ground-level presence.
He also accused the Centre of delaying the caste census, alleging a lack of political will despite earlier assurances made in Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi Likely to Visit Kangra
Kumar further revealed that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Kangra on April 30. The visit is aimed at addressing a training programme for district-level leadership from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
Organised by the All India Congress Committee, the programme seeks to strengthen grassroots leadership by familiarising new office-bearers with the party’s ideology, history, and governance track record.
Congress Appoints Leaders for MC Polls
In preparation for the municipal elections, the Congress party has appointed key leaders as in-charges for various regions. Minister Rohit Thakur will oversee Solan, Vikramaditya Singh has been assigned Mandi, Rajesh Dharmani will handle Palampur, and RS Bali will be responsible for Dharamsala.
The appointments, approved by the party’s central leadership and state unit, are aimed at ensuring better coordination and boosting the party’s electoral prospects.
