AMARAVATI, April 16: Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party State president P.V.N. Madhav on Thursday expressed jubilation over the introduction of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill — encompassing both the Women's Reservation and Delimitation provisions — in Parliament, describing it as a historic milestone in India's democratic journey and a decisive step towards women's empowerment.

Speaking on the occasion, Madhav noted that the issue of women's reservation had been under discussion in the country's political discourse for nearly 30 years since 1996, and that despite successive governments coming to power, a firm decision to give effect to the Bill had remained elusive for decades.

He praised the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a landmark step forward through the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam to ensure political representation for women. The introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill, he said, was a crucial decision aimed at further strengthening the role of women in the nation's governance.

Madhav explained that the Central government had introduced these amendments with the aim of ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies by the time of the 2029 General Elections, while simultaneously accelerating the delimitation process. Based on the 2011 Census data, the quota is to be implemented with 33 per cent reservations applicable to SC and ST communities as well, with the total number of Lok Sabha seats set to be expanded to as many as 850, he added.

The Bill would open the door for adequate representation of women not only in Parliament but also in State Legislatures, Madhav observed. He emphasised that this was not merely a political decision but a significant milestone in the pursuit of social justice.

Expressing optimism about the transformative potential of greater women's participation, Madhav said that increased representation of women would accelerate the nation's development and strengthen women's leadership from the grassroots to the national level.

The BJP State president concluded by saying that the decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in women's empowerment in the history of Indian democracy.