CHANDIGARH, India — Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday called for the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, saying the party’s position is rooted in the Sikh Gurus’ teachings on equality and dignity for women.
The demand was made after a meeting of the SAD’s senior leadership in Chandigarh, where the party discussed key legislative matters before Parliament, including women’s reservation and the proposed delimitation exercise.
Key Highlights
- SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal demanded immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill.
- The party linked its position to the Sikh Gurus’ teachings on gender equality.
- SAD also called for a fair delimitation process that protects the interests of all states.
- The party backed the government’s proposed formula for a uniform 50% increase in seats for all states.
SAD Cites Sikh Teachings on Women’s Equality
Badal said the Shiromani Akali Dal draws its political and ideological inspiration from the Sikh faith and its emphasis on equal rights and dignity for women.
He also pointed to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), saying it had already set an example by providing for women’s reservation in its House.
“The Shiromani Akali Dal draws inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who championed the dignity, equality and equal rights of women.”
Badal made the demand in a post on X following the party’s senior leadership meeting in Chandigarh.
Party Also Raises Delimitation Concerns
Alongside the women’s reservation issue, the SAD leadership discussed the proposed delimitation exercise and called for a process that ensures equitable representation for all states.
Badal said the party wanted delimitation to be carried out in a manner that protects the interests of states and maintains equal representation.
The SAD also backed a proposal put forward by the Government of India for a uniform 50% increase in the number of seats for all states.
“The Shiromani Akali Dal also demanded a fair and equitable Delimitation that ensures equal representation to all States.”
What Is the Women’s Reservation Bill?
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 was passed by both Houses of Parliament with the objective of providing 33% reservation for women in legislatures.
According to the supplied ANI report, its implementation was linked to delimitation. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill subsequently failed to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of members present and voting in the Lok Sabha on April 17.
As a result, the proposed reservation has not moved ahead with implementation, according to the supplied report.
SAD Wants Both Processes to Move Immediately
Badal said the party wants women’s reservation and delimitation to be taken forward without delay.
The SAD’s position therefore combines support for greater representation of women in legislatures with its demand that the delimitation exercise follow a formula that does not disadvantage any state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sukhbir Singh Badal demand on women’s reservation?
The SAD chief demanded the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, which provides for 33% reservation for women in legislatures.
What is SAD’s position on delimitation?
The party has called for fair and equitable delimitation that ensures equal representation to all states and supported a proposed uniform 50% increase in seats for all states.
What Happens Next?
The SAD’s demands come as key legislative questions surrounding women’s reservation and delimitation remain under discussion. The party has made clear that it wants both processes to be implemented immediately while ensuring that the interests of all states are protected.
