No discrimination in delimitation linked to women’s quota: PM Modi

Srinagar, Apr 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured that no state will face discrimination in the delimitation process tied to the women’s reservation law and urged political parties to support the reform.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said the proportion of seats for states will remain unchanged.
“There will be no change in that proportion (of Lok Sabha seats) either, and the increase will also be in the same proportion,” he said.
Modi stressed that women’s reservation is a right, not a favour, and cautioned against opposing it for political reasons.
“If you oppose it, it is natural that I will gain political benefit, but if you walk along, no one will gain any political advantage,” he said.
He added that the government is not seeking credit for the move.
“We don’t want credit. If you want me to use the word ‘guarantee’, I use the word ‘guarantee’. If you want me to make a promise, I use the word ‘promise’. Because if the intention is clear, there is no need to play games with words,” he said.
Reassuring all regions, Modi said the process will be fair.
“I want to say from this House today with a great sense of responsibility that whether it is the south, the north, the east, the west, small states or big states, this decision making process will not discriminate against any state or do injustice to anyone,” he said.
He also warned that women will not forgive those who oppose the reform.
“Today, I have come to appeal to you not to weigh this on political scales. This is a decision in the national interest. The women across the country and the world are watching us… If there is any flaw in our intent, the women of this country will never forgive,” he said.
The Lok Sabha discussed key bills related to delimitation and women’s quota, proposing an increase in seats to 815 with 33 per cent reservation for women. (KINS)