Parliament should pass women’s quota bill, demand DMK MPs

CHENNAI: “Though the women’s reservation bill is supported by all parties, it has still not seen the light of day. That may be because sharing of power is not easy, especially in politics,” said DMK MP from Tuticorin Kanimozhi, while addressing a public dialogue on the women’s reservation bill on Saturday.
It was held by the Centre for Social Research with support from Shakti and Global Concerns, with the primary goal of addressing critical women’s rights issues in the country. Women’s rights activists, self help groups and students of Loyola ICAM College of Engineering and Technology participated in the event. The DMK MP added that though 14% of members in the Lok Sabha constitute women, it must be ensured that the number doesn’t decrease in the next election.”
VCK general secretary and Villupuram MP D Ravikumar said, “The number of women voters is large for which we need not less than 50% reservation in Parliament.” Ravikumar also highlighted the increasing number of crimes against women reported in the country.
Thiruvallur MP K. Jayakumar of the Indian National Congress said parties mostly give tickets based on the winnability of the candidate. “The reservation in the bill is meant to sensitise the other gender about the right of women to have equal say and participation, to empower women and lastly the bill is not a favour, but a right,” said DMK South Chennai MP, Tamizhachi Thangapandian.