Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has congratulated the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for their backing of the Women’s Reservation Bill. He remarked that this move aligns with the precedent established by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Through a post on X, Rijiju highlighted the necessity of political cooperation in ensuring that women attain equal representation via an impartial delimitation process.

Rijiju stated, “I wholeheartedly welcome this very important decision taken by Shiromani Akali Dal following the example set by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee @SGPCAmritsar. We must come together to empower women with a fair & equitable delimitation that ensures equal representation.” His comments were made amidst governmental efforts to advance the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which aims to reserve one-third of legislative seats for women.

SAD’s Call for Immediate Implementation

During a meeting held in Chandigarh, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal pressed for the expedited enforcement of the Women’s Reservation Bill. He invoked the teachings of Sikh Gurus that promote gender equality as a basis for this demand. The gathering included the party’s senior leadership and was dedicated to discussing important legislative matters before Parliament.

Badal took to X to declare, “The Shiromani Akali Dal, at a meeting of its senior leaders in Chandigarh today, demanded the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the country.” He emphasised the ideological foundation of the party, stating that SAD’s values are rooted in Sikh principles advocating for the dignity and rights of women.

He also drew attention to the example set by the SGPC, which has made provisions for women’s reservation in its governance structures. This highlights the party’s commitment to achieving similar outcomes at the national level.

Delimitation and Fair Representation

The discussions during the SAD meeting also encompassed the anticipated Delimitation exercise. Badal asserted that the process should be conducted with fairness to protect the interests of all states. He asserted the necessity for equitable representation through this exercise, marking it as essential in the ongoing legislative discourse.

Badal noted that the SAD has backed a proposal by the Government of India, which suggests a uniform increase of 50 per cent in the number of seats allotted to all states. He reiterated the party’s insistence on the immediate execution of both women’s reservation and the delimitation process.

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, has already been passed in both Houses of Parliament. However, the implementation is presently stalled due to the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on April 17. This Bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority, preventing the enactment of the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies and the accompanying delimitation plans.

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