Women's Reservation Bill: Opposing Political Opinions Explained

By: WE staff

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

Narendra Modi has been a strong supporter of the Women Reservation Bill terming it as one of the most important steps in the creation of a Viksit Bharat. 

He has said, "Have faith in the women of the country, and in their decisions. Let 33% of the women come to the parliament. And then let them make decisions.” "Those who oppose the women's reservation bill today will have to pay the price for a long long time."

PM Modi pointed out that real development should not be restricted to infrastructural development but to have more involvement of women in policymaking. Backing the bill proposal to adopt the move with regard to the 2011 Census, he pushed the Parliament to take immediate action.

The Indian Prime Minister cautioned against politicizing the issue by opposition parties, saying that they would be met by stiff backlash by a more conscious and empowered female electorate. He pointed out the role that women’s involvement at the grassroots, particularly in panchayats, has changed political awareness in the country.

In a plea to the members to unite, he urged them to put their faith in women leaders and provide 33 percent representation in Lok Sabha. In his opinion, empowering women politically will enhance democracy and speed up the inclusive and sustainable growth of India.

Amit Shah, Union Home Minister of India

Amit Shah has claimed that delimitation proposed to be associated with women reservation will only enhance but not reduce democratic representation. He ruled out  concerns that the southern states will suffer a loss of influence, saying that the number of seats and proportion of Lok Sabha seats for the South will increase after the exercise. Delimitation, according to him, is a constitutional requirement meant to mirror changes in population and provide equitable representation nationally.

He reiterated that the government does not plan to discriminate against any state and that the process will be done openly. Amit believed that increasing the power of the Lok Sabha would be more accommodative to all regions and that women reservation will be implemented. In total, his position offers delimitation as a moderate reform to increase inclusivity and representation, not a political instrument, in response to Opposition accusations of electoral manipulation.