Women’s Reservation Bill a historic step: Madhav

Vijayawada: BJP State president PVN Madhav described the Women’s Reservation Bill, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, as a historic step towards women’s empowerment in the country.

Addressing a press conference at the party State office in Vijayawada on Sunday, he said the Bill, introduced in the new Parliament building in September 2023 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, received overwhelming support in both Houses of Parliament. He noted that nearly 99.9 per cent of members backed the legislation, calling it a milestone in India’s political history.

Madhav stated that the Centre is committed to implementing women’s reservation by the 2029 elections, following the completion of the Census and the delimitation process. He added that the necessary amendments would be addressed during the upcoming special sessions of Parliament, scheduled for April 16, 17, and 18, to ensure timely implementation.

Criticising previous governments, he alleged that the Bill could not be passed earlier due to a lack of political will. He said the BJP would take the message of women’s empowerment to the grassroots by organising public meetings, women’s rallies and scooter rallies in cities such as Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Tirupati. Signature campaigns and missed-call initiatives will also be launched to garner public support.

Madhav also criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent remarks, stating that they were unacceptable and hurt public sentiment. He demanded a public apology and called for action within the legal framework. BJP Mahila Morcha State president Nishidha Raju said the Bill is not merely a reservation but a recognition of women’s contribution to nation-building. She thanked Prime Minister Modi for prioritising women’s welfare through various schemes.

BJP State general secretary Saligrama Lakshmi Prasanna, BJP Mahila Morcha State president Nishidha Raju, State secretary Boddu Nagalakshmi, Kambhampati Madhavi, K Padmaja, N Lakshmi Durga, Ch Sivalalitha, D Swathi Rao and others were present.