Former minister Konda Surekha, along with Congress cadres, anointed the statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi with milk at the MGM Hospital in Warangal. She also distributed sweets and fruits to the attendees. Konda Surekha stated that the Women Reservation Bill, which proposes a 33% quota for women, was initiated during Rajiv Gandhi’s regime. She believes that this bill will empower women and increase their participation in the political process.
The Congress has been working towards realizing the women reservation bill since Rajiv Gandhi’s time. In 1989, Rajiv Gandhi introduced Constitution Amendment Bills for one-third reservation in panchayats and nagarpalikas, but it did not pass in the Upper House. In 2010, the UPA Government managed to pass the bill in the Upper House but failed in the Lok Sabha due to noncooperation from allies. Konda Surekha accused the then Opposition for obstructing the bill as well.
Konda Surekha mentioned that Sonia Gandhi pressured the BJP government to reintroduce the women reservation bill. She urged the BJP Government not to delay the implementation of the bill, considering that Indian women have been waiting for their political responsibilities. Presently, women make up nearly half of the country’s registered voters, but only constitute 15% of lawmakers in the Lok Sabha and 10% in State Assemblies. Various Congress leaders were also present at the event.
