Addressing reporters at an event in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, Parida stated, “Today, India is undergoing a historic transformation. We have moved beyond women’s development and entered the era of women-led development. The Women’s Reservation Bill was first introduced in 1996, but it remained merely a discussion for years. Finally, on September 21, 2023, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiyam was passed as a constitutional amendment, ensuring one-third female representation in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies.”

She highlighted that in 1952 there were only 22 women MPs in the Lok Sabha, a figure that has increased to 75 today, but acknowledged that this progress is “just the beginning.”

Parida appealed to all political parties and women to unite in raising their voices and exerting pressure for rights and representation, saying, “When women unite for their rights, history changes. If women are empowered, India will be empowered.”

BJP MP Anita Priyadarshini expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his confidence in women, stating, “We are grateful to the Prime Minister for showing faith in the women of the country and trusting that women can handle the responsibility of the country very well.”

She criticised the Congress party for opposing the bill, suggesting that their stance was driven by “a conflict for survival rather than a principled stand.” Priyadarshini added, “Congress has no other way; it seems more like a conflict for survival. We still appeal for their support because it is not about a political party, but about women of the entire country. Where were you in 60 years of rule?”

Priyadarshini further said women would transition from being mere beneficiaries of government schemes to active participants in law-making, urging all political parties to “quit low-level politics and support this.”

Parliament is scheduled to convene a three-day special session starting April 16 focused on the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill. The Government plans two major amendments: following the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act that had linked women’s reservation to the new census and delimitation, delays in the census have prompted a decision to proceed with the 2011 census data instead.

The 2011 census will be used as the basis for delimitation and seat redistribution, with the possibility of Lok Sabha seats increasing from 543 to 816 after the amendment. A bill to amend the Nari Shakti Vandan Act and a separate Delimitation Bill will both be introduced in Parliament. Both require passage as constitutional amendments to implement women’s reservation.