Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha accused the opposition of disrespecting women for their political gain. He highlighted that the Women’s Reservation Bill amendment faced resistance in Parliament on April 17, hindering progress in women’s empowerment. Saha emphasized the significance of the bill, aiming to secure 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies to promote gender equality and women-led development.
The Chief Minister condemned the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance for prioritizing self-centered politics over empowering women. He underscored the importance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, describing it as a transformative step in Indian democracy. Saha noted that the Act, passed in 2023, seeks to address gender disparities in political representation and was a significant achievement under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Explaining the provisions of the Act, Saha detailed the mandatory 33% reservation for women in various legislative bodies. He mentioned the rotational seat allocation to ensure broader women representation and the Act’s 15-year validity, extendable by Parliament if needed. Despite challenges in implementation, including pending census data, Saha expressed disappointment over the opposition’s obstruction of the bill, delaying its enforcement and impacting women’s rights.
The Chief Minister criticized historical opposition from parties like the Congress, alleging their neglect of women’s interests. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment, along with Prime Minister Modi, to women’s welfare. Despite setbacks in passing the amendment, Saha stood by the Prime Minister, condemning the opposition’s actions and expressing solidarity with the millions of women supporting the cause.
