Leaders across political spectrum support Women’s Reservation Bill

New Delhi, April 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Leaders across various political parties on Thursday came out in support of the Women's Reservation Bill, calling it of "immense significance" and crucial for "women's respect".

Notably, after the Parliament's Budget Session reconvenes on April 16, the primary agenda will be to discuss and debate proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), officially known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, shared a video message urging collective support for the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Samajwadi Party MP, Rajeev Rai said, "No one is opposed to the Women's Reservation Bill. We all want women to receive respect and their rights. However, we seek respect in the true sense."

Welcoming the Bill, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said, "Where there is a will, there is a way. Prime Minister has stood up for Nari Shakti Vandan (Adhiniyam) without any further delay."

She urged all parties to show political will for the Bill. "The Union Cabinet taking a decision and this entire discussion which is to be tabled in Parliament is the time where every political party needs to show its political will," she told IANS.

Moreover, the Shiv Sena leader highlighted, "Currently we have 74 (female) MPs in a House strength of 543 (in Lok Sabha)." She emphasised that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will guarantee 33 per cent reservation for women MPs.

Significantly, the Centre is reportedly planning to increase the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha to 816, with a 273-seat increase for women.

Shaina NC termed the Bill as a "tribute to every woman who is aspirational towards contributing to Viksit Bharat."

Congress MLA Manoj Biswas said both caste and gender-based reservation is significant.

He said, "It is a fact that reservation holds immense significance in Bihar. Had it not been for reservation, people like us would not have been able to reach this position today. We hail from the Other Backward Class community."

"Similarly, reservation for women is also absolutely essential. As long as reservation is not in place, the participation of those at the very bottom rung of society cannot be ensured. This is a commendable initiative," he told IANS.

Speaking about the significance of the Bill, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Kanchanpreet Kaur said, "It is of immense significance. Even if a woman remains at home, she manages her household and holds the family together. Similarly, she will hold society together, she will not subscribe to caste-based distinctions, and the outcome will be excellent."

However, NCP-SP MP, Fauzia Khan, reminded that similar statements related to the Women's Reservation Bill were also made in 2023.

She told IANS, "Similar statements were made back in 2023 (by BJP-led Central government), claiming that this was a historic decision and a historic law, yet it never came into effect. Three years have simply gone by in this manner."

"Women are being fooled in this country, which is very objectionable," Khan claimed.

She urged that reservation should be granted to women as it is their right.

She further said, "Depending on their (women's) population, women should have a say in the Parliament and state legislatures. Not only in the legislature but women should also get equal representation in judiciary, bureaucracy and the corporate sector."

According to DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan, the Women's Reservation Bill has been delayed.

"The Bill has been pending since Congress was in power. What was Prime Minister Narendra Modi doing for the last 12 years. He has been the prime minister for the third time now," he said.

Source: IANS