Lucknow, April 15: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati addressed journalists on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of the Women’s Reservation Bill. The central government has called a special three-day parliamentary session starting Thursday to discuss this crucial issue.
Mayawati stated that just as discussions are held regarding the welfare of marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), women’s empowerment also deserves significant attention. She criticized the lack of serious policy implementation and strong will, which has hindered the honest and effective execution of women’s rights initiatives.
She highlighted that, like other vulnerable groups, women continue to face oppression and exploitation. Disturbing incidents of violence against women persist. Therefore, the BSP has consistently demanded 50% reservation for women across all communities in the country, based on their population. However, no political party is willing to accept this due to their own interests and constraints.
Mayawati welcomed the long-awaited process of providing 33% reservation for women in the national parliament and state assemblies, despite the delays. She noted that while it is overdue, the BSP appreciates the move.
She further stated that if separate reservation provisions were made for women from socially, politically, and economically marginalized SC, ST, and OBC communities, it would be a historic step.
Mayawati also reminded everyone that the previous day marked the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized groups. BSP members celebrated this occasion enthusiastically with their families across the country.
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