BRS MLC K Kavitha has underscored the pressing necessity for the inclusion of women’s reservation in legislative bodies, while also casting doubt on the Opposition parties’ stance regarding this issue. She has emphasized that this demand is not merely a personal endeavour but a crucial call made by women across the nation.
During a media interaction, Kavitha highlighted that Dr. BR Ambedkar had ardently advocated for women’s representation in legislative bodies, yet no political party in power has adequately addressed this concern since the nation’s independence. Notably, she drew attention to the fact that women currently constitute only 12 percent of the Indian Parliament, representing only a marginal increase from the initial eight percent during the first Lok Sabha.
Kavitha provocatively questioned the prevailing status quo by asking, “Should women remain limited to roles like Sarpanchs, MPTCs, and ZPTCs?” She further reminded that the number of female representatives in local bodies in Telangana witnessed a substantial rise, reaching 14 lakhs, only after the BRS government introduced legislation in the Assembly.
In response to criticisms from BJP and Congress leaders regarding the scarcity of female candidates from BRS in the upcoming Assembly elections, the MLC demanded answers as to why the Women’s Reservation Bill, approved by the Rajya Sabha in 2010, has not received approval in the Lok Sabha even in 2023. She questioned why the Narendra Modi government, holding an absolute majority, has not passed the bill.
Moreover, Kavitha unveiled her strategy to rekindle efforts for the Women’s Reservation Bill by planning a protest in Delhi in December. Her plan involves enlisting influential women leaders from various political backgrounds, including Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Smriti Irani, to join the movement.
Expressing a broader perspective, she asserted, “What I am appealing to every political party is that this issue is not confined to my personal sphere; it is a concern for women at large. This pertains to the 70 crore women in our country. Despite our pride in sending women into space, our Parliament’s female representation was a mere 4.5 percent, and now it stands at 12.5 percent. This progress of 8 percent over 75 years is an achievement that falls short.”
Taking a critical stance towards both past and present Congress and BJP administrations, she noted the scarcity of female representation within the cabinets. She highlighted that former PM Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet had just one female minister, and presently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet comprises only two. This led her to question whether the nation should be content with a 50 percent increase in women’s cabinet representation, or if the mere count of two is cause for dissatisfaction. She criticized the lack of action from the NDA government, noting the absence of any drafted bill or inter-party discussions on women’s reservation. She concluded with a declaration that the people are observing these developments, and women will make their voices heard.
In an additional observation, Kavitha pointed out the notable case of Manipur, which, despite being 75 years into independence, has only recently elected its first two women legislators.
She further revealed that the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh government has yet to enact legislation concerning women’s reservations. Additionally, she highlighted a recent development in Haryana, another state under saffron party rule, where a law stipulating a minimum education qualification of the 10th class for election candidates was introduced. Kavitha argued that such laws might hinder women’s active participation in elections.
Confident in KCR’s forthcoming third term as Chief Minister, the BRS MLC asserted that she and other leaders would stage a substantial protest in Delhi during the winter session of parliament. She intends to extend invitations to leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra, and Union Minister Smriti Irani.
