PM Modi urges political parties to back women’s quota; Congress asks, ‘Who stopped you?’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on political parties to back the women's reservation bill during his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort on Saturday. The bill aims to ensure 33 per cent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Critics, however, pointed out that it has been 12 years since the bill was passed, asking why it took so long to implement.

The Congress party questioned the reasons behind the lack of progress in implementing the women's reservation policy. Speaking at the Red Fort, Modi said that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed with the aim of strengthening women's representation in politics. He highlighted the contributions of women in local government bodies like panchayats, municipalities, and municipal corporations, praising them for their guidance and leadership.

Modi urged political parties to support the women's reservation bill, emphasizing the need for swift action to provide 33 per cent representation for women in the State Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak responded by questioning why PM Modi hadn't implemented the women's reservation bill during his tenure with a strong majority.

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed in 2023, was tied to a census and delimitation process, which failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha.