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Odissi Dancer Ranjana Gauhar Praises Women's Reservation Bill as Nation-Strengthening

Renowned Odissi dancer Ranjana Gauhar has praised the proposed Women's Reservation Bill, calling it a commendable initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will strengthen both women and the country. The special Parliament session will deliberate on amendments to implement a 33% quota for women in the Lok Sabha, potentially starting from the 2029 general elections. The government is also considering a major expansion of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats, linked to the reservation policy and a delimitation exercise. However, Opposition leaders and southern state Chief Ministers have raised concerns that the delimitation could disproportionately reduce southern representation and are forming a unified front against the plan.

Key Points: Ranjana Gauhar Welcomes Women's Reservation Bill Ahead of Parliament Session

  • Dancer welcomes Women's Reservation Bill
  • Bill aims for 33% quota from 2029
  • Lok Sabha may expand to 850 seats
  • Opposition questions delimitation impact
  • Southern CMs unite against proposal
2 min read

"Women's participation strengthens the country...": Ranjana Gauhar praises Women's Reservation Bill ahead of special parliament session

Padma Shri awardee Ranjana Gauhar congratulates PM Modi on the Women's Reservation Bill, calling it a commendable step for women's empowerment and national strength.

"Women's participation not only strengthens them but also strengthens the country. - Ranjana Gauhar"

New Delhi, April 15

Appreciating the government's push for women's empowerment, Padma Shri awardee and renowned Odissi dancer Ranjana Gauhar has welcomed the proposed Women's Reservation Bill ahead of the special three-day parliamentary sitting scheduled from April 16 to 18.

Speaking to ANI, Gauhar congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what she described as a "commendable initiative" aimed at increasing women's participation in governance.

"I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister for taking a new step toward women's empowerment. Women's participation not only strengthens them but also strengthens the country," she said, adding, "This is a very good step. With their wisdom and strength, they will help take the nation forward. Their presence is a very necessary step. Indeed, this is a very commendable initiative."

The special session of Parliament is set to deliberate on amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, along with the proposed Delimitation Bill. The government is expected to introduce a Constitutional amendment to implement a 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha starting from the 2029 general elections.

According to sources, the Centre is also considering a significant expansion of the Lok Sabha's strength from the current 543 seats to 850. Of these, 815 seats are proposed to be allocated to states, while 35 would be reserved for Union Territories. The move is linked to the implementation of the reservation policy and the broader delimitation exercise.

However, several leaders of the Opposition parties have raised concerns, particularly regarding the delimitation plan. They have argued that the exercise could disproportionately impact southern states by limiting their representation in the Lok Sabha.

Additionally, Opposition parties have questioned the timing of the bill, alleging that the government is rushing the process ahead of the next general census.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has written a letter to the Chief Ministers of four southern states, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Keralam, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry, calling for a unified front against the Centre's proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While I support women's reservation, the timing and the link with delimitation is suspicious. Why wait till 2029? And why increase seats to 850 now? This feels more like political maneuvering before elections than a genuine commitment to empowerment.
S
Sarah B
As an expat following Indian politics, this is a positive development. However, the concerns of southern states are valid. Representation should be fair and not penalize regions that have better controlled population growth. The delimitation process needs transparent discussion.
K
Karthik V
Ranjana Gauhar is right. Women's wisdom is desperately needed in our politics. But let's ensure the women who get these seats are capable leaders, not just relatives of powerful men (bahubalis). Reservation is a tool, not the final goal.
A
Anjali F
Finally! My mother always said a country that doesn't value its women cannot progress. This bill gives me hope for my daughter's future. More women in power will change the conversation on so many issues. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Interesting move. Increasing Lok Sabha seats alongside this reservation is a massive structural change. The devil will be in the details of delimitation. Hope it strengthens federalism rather than creating north-south tensions.

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