NewDelhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday cautioned opposition parties over their stance on women’s reservation, saying that women voters have historically punished those who opposed the measure in elections.
Speaking in Parliament, PM Modi said, “Ever since there has been discussion about women’s reservation in our country, and whenever elections have followed, women have never forgiven those who opposed this right; they have dealt with them quite severely.”
PM Modi stated that lakhs of women have emerged as leaders at the grassroots level, and added that those who are opposing this change today will have to pay a political price for it in the long run.
“Anyone aspiring for success in political life must accept that, over the past 25–30 years, millions of women have emerged as leaders at the grassroots level. They are no longer just seeking 33% representation here (in Parliament); they are now in a position to influence your decisions at the ground level as well. Therefore, those who oppose this today will have to pay the price for a long time. Political wisdom lies in acknowledging and taking into account the leadership women have built at the grassroots level,” he said.
Describing the Women’s Reservation Bill as being in the national interest, PM Modi appealed to the Opposition not to waste their energy in hindering those women who are making immense contributions in every walk of life, and who now deserve to receive their rightful share in the decision-making process, the legislature, Parliament, and the State Assemblies.
‘Women are second to none in raising the nation’s pride. Today, our mothers and sisters are making immense contributions across all walks of life. Why are we exhausting our energy trying to block such great capability from having its share? Their involvement will only increase our strength. I appeal to you today, do not weigh this on the scales of politics. This is a decision in the national interest,’ he said.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, officially known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Constitution 106th Amendment Act), aims to reserve one-third (33%) of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
The Act has come into force following a government notification. However, its implementation is the subject of intense debate during a special three-day session of Parliament.
Why are parties opposing?
The opposition has focused on the delimitation clause, which, in their view, links and delays implementation of the women’s reservation until after a new Census or related exercises. Some parties are demanding a specific OBC sub-quota within the 33% reservation to ensure better intersectional representation, particularly for women from Other Backward Classes. Furthermore, southern states fear a reduction in their relative share of seats, arguing that population-based seat increases will disproportionately benefit northern states and diminish the proportional representation of southern states in Parliament.
Bureau Report
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