The Women's Reservation Bill, (which in fact is already a legislation), that just failed in the Lok Sabha is a classic case of political bait-and-switch.
While the packaging says "Women’s Empowerment," the fine print is all about Delimitation, a fancy word for redrawing the parliamentary constituencies' map to make sure the electoral math always favors the ruling party.
The government just tried to hand the women of India a shiny new gift box.
On the outside, it was wrapped in pink ribbons and labeled “Equality & Seats.
But it wasn''t really a "Women’s Bill." It was a Delimitation Bill wearing a very convincing wig and heels.
It was a calculated move, wherein, announce a bill for women, Sneak in a clause linking it Delimitation.
The government tried to hold the rights of 700 million women hostage to a complex math exercise designed to favor the ruling party's "Hindi-belt" strongholds.
It linked "Nari Shakti" (Women's Power) to "Constituency Redrawing" to ensure that if the Opposition said "No" to the map-rigging, it could be branded as "Anti-Women."
As Shashi Tharoor pointed out, it's "Political Demonetisation."
They are trying to devalue the votes of successful states (like the South) while using women as a human shield.
Now, the "servitude media" has its headline: "Opposition Declares War on India's Daughters."
The real headline? "The government fails to sell a fake gift, and tries to blame the customer."
Why give women power today when you can give them a "Maybe Someday" and use it as an election slogan tomorrow.
