AnyTime News 
Pooja Shrivastava, Any Time News Network
LUCKNOW: In a major political development, Samajwadi Party National President and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has mounted heavy pressure on the Central Government regarding women’s representation. A high-level delegation representing top women’s organizations, networks, and civil society called upon Yadav at the SP headquarters in Lucknow today. The delegation submitted a fiery memorandum demanding the decoupling of the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, from census and delimitation processes.
Stop the Delay Tactics: Push for Amendments in the Upcoming Monsoon Session
The delegation argued that political participation is a fundamental constitutional right for women. Linking its execution to bureaucratic hurdles like the nationwide census and redrawing of constituencies is nothing but a calculated strategy to delay justice. They urged Akhilesh Yadav to spearhead a movement in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament to amend the Act and implement the quota immediately.
Akhilesh’s Masterstroke: Expand Quota to Rajya Sabha and Legislative Councils Too!
Backing the delegation’s demands to the hilt, Akhilesh Yadav declared that the Samajwadi Party has always stood for the total socio-economic and political empowerment of women. Taking a radical stance, Yadav demanded that women’s reservation must not be restricted merely to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. To ensure true parity, it must be extended to Rajya Sabha and state Legislative Councils as well, guaranteeing women an impactful voice in all legislative chambers.
Prominent Civil Society Leaders Mobilize for the Cause
Expressing grave concern over the abysmally low representation of women in current state assemblies, the delegation called for immediate action. The powerful group of activists included prominent names such as Smt. Rooprekha Verma, Madhu Gupta, Vandana Mishra, Sarojini Bisht, Meena Singh, Kanti Mishra, Vandana Rai, Naish Hasan, and Rita Choudhary. SP State President Shyam Lal Pal coordinated the high-octane meet.
