The political battle over the Women’s Reservation Bill has intensified, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju hitting back at Rahul Gandhi’s criticism. Rijiju said the implementation of women’s reservation is linked to the Census and delimitation exercise, and alleged that the Opposition had earlier defeated the Delimitation Bill required to move the process forward. Rijiju also questioned the Congress’ commitment to women’s representation, pointing to the absence of women in the Karnataka state Cabinet. The exchange has added a fresh political flashpoint to the debate over women’s reservation and delimitation.