*Opposition, frightened by women’s power, got the bill granting rights to women defeated: Energy Minister Anil Vij*
*On allegations of dual citizenship against Rahul Gandhi, Energy Minister Anil Vij said, “The truth will emerge only after investigation”*
*Along with maintaining law and order, protecting everyone’s dignity is also the government’s responsibility: Anil Vij*
Chandigarh, April 18 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Anil Vij reacted to the Women’s Reservation-related bill being defeated in the Lok Sabha by 54 votes, saying that “male members of opposition parties were frightened by the power of women and, out of that fear, they ensured the bill was defeated, even though it was in the interest of the entire country.”
While speaking to media persons today, Anil Vij said that this bill was meant to grant rights to women and was also related to delimitation. He explained that the number of Lok Sabha seats has remained the same since 1976, when India’s population was 560 million, whereas today it has increased to 1.45 billion. There are 172 constituencies where the population exceeds 2 million. In such a situation, it is not possible for a single MP/representative to listen to and resolve everyone’s problems. Therefore, balancing representation was necessary, but the opposition collectively blocked this public-interest measure.
Regarding the directions issued by the Allahabad High Court to investigate Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over allegations of dual citizenship, Anil Vij said that the court has clearly ordered an investigation into the matter. He stated that allegations have surfaced claiming Rahul Gandhi has also shown citizenship in London, and the truth of the matter will only come out after a proper investigation. He added that, for now, the court has only ordered an inquiry.
Responding to allegations that former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala was stopped and mistreated along with his convoy, Anil Vij said that this is very wrong. Maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the government, but protecting the dignity and respect of everyone is also equally important.