New Delhi/Kolkata, April 16: Senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Smriti Irani, has reiterated the party’s commitment to strengthening women’s representation, calling for the early rollout of the long-pending reservation law while unveiling fresh promises for West Bengal.
Addressing the issue on Wednesday, Irani emphasised that the legislation ensuring one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies reflects a significant step toward inclusive governance. However, she noted that its implementation remains pending due to its linkage with the completion of the national Census and a subsequent delimitation process—an aspect that continues to trigger political debate.
The senior leader defended the record of the government led by Narendra Modi, asserting that policy-level commitments toward gender equity have already been demonstrated through legislative and welfare measures. She argued that the current administration has taken decisive steps where previous governments hesitated.
At the same time, Irani criticised Opposition parties, particularly the Indian National Congress, accusing them of inconsistency in their stance. She claimed that while these parties now advocate for women’s reservation, they failed to implement similar reforms when they had the opportunity.
The delay in operationalising the reservation law has become a central political issue. Opposition leaders have voiced concerns that tying the rollout to delimitation could postpone its enforcement until after the 2029 general elections. This, they argue, undermines the urgency of improving women’s political participation.
Amid this backdrop, Irani sought to position her party as proactive on gender inclusion. She highlighted a broader framework of initiatives aimed at empowering women through financial inclusion schemes, healthcare support, and livelihood opportunities, stating that empowerment must extend beyond political representation into everyday life.
Shifting focus to West Bengal, Irani outlined a key electoral promise aimed at expanding women’s role in the workforce. She announced that, if voted to power, the BJP would introduce a 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs in the state. The proposal, she said, is intended to boost economic independence and ensure greater participation of women in public administration.
In addition to employment measures, the party has proposed direct financial support for women, including a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000. These initiatives are being framed as part of a wider outreach strategy targeting women voters ahead of future elections.
Irani also launched a sharp attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, alleging that women in the state continue to face challenges related to safety and limited access to economic opportunities. She stressed that governance must go beyond policy announcements and deliver tangible improvements on the ground.
The BJP’s renewed emphasis on women-focused policies signals a strategic attempt to consolidate support among female voters, while also intensifying the national conversation around the implementation timeline of the reservation law.
As the debate continues, the issue of women’s representation both in politics and employment remains at the forefront of India’s evolving policy landscape.