BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh described the passing of the Women's Reservation Bill as a 'golden moment' for India's democracy, highlighting that women will now sit in Parliament, make laws, and actively participate in the country's governance.
He made these remarks on Sunday after inaugurating a bike and scooty rally organised by the BJP Mahila Morcha in Jammu in support of the bill.
Addressing the event, Chugh stated, “Today, daughters will sit in the country’s largest panchayat (Parliament) and influence the country’s decisions. They will make rules, laws, and run the country.” He emphasised that women’s progress is closely linked to national development, saying, “I believe that where the daughter progresses, the country progresses. Just as a daughter is the ornament and pride of a home, so too is she the pride of the nation.”
Chugh also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent focus on women’s empowerment through programmes such as ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’. He said, “Today, Modi ji has given the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Beti Badhao’ slogan and now he is handing over the command of the country to the daughters.”
He added that greater participation of women will strengthen governance, stating, “The country’s largest panchayat will now be in the hands of daughters. I believe that the sweetness, bravery, diversity, and the scholar within daughters will give direction to the country’s policies.”
Drawing attention to women’s achievements across various sectors, Chugh declared, “Just as she manages her home with ease, performs her duty with ease… whichever field you send her to, she excels. If she becomes a doctor, she’s the best doctor, if she becomes a teacher, she’s the best teacher… Now, Modi ji gave them 33% reservation in security agencies…” He noted that women are already serving in security forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF) and contributing to national defence.
Describing the bill as a landmark development, Chugh remarked, “This is a moment to take daughters to new heights. This historic moment is being watched by the whole world. The world’s largest democracy is bringing a golden change in its democracy. Where democracy will be strengthened, 50% of the country’s population will get their 100% rights.”
The Indian Parliament is scheduled to convene a three-day special session starting April 16, with a focus on the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill. The government plans two major amendments: the Nari Shakti Vandan Act of 2023, which linked women’s reservation to the new census and delimitation, will be modified due to delays in census data. Instead, delimitation and seat redistribution will be based on the 2011 census data.
The number of Lok Sabha seats may increase from 543 to 816 following the amendment, with approximately one-third (273 seats) reserved for women. A separate Delimitation Bill will also be introduced. Both bills require passage as Constitutional amendments to implement women’s reservation. The new Lok Sabha is expected to have more than 800 seats; however, there will be no provision for Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation, and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reservations will continue. The bill passed by Parliament will apply to all states without their involvement.
The government emphasises that it will not delay women's fair representation in Parliament by waiting for the next census. Instead, delimitation will proceed using the 2011 census data to expedite the process.