PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti calls Union cabinet's approval of discussion on Women's Reservation Bill a 'great step'

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the Union cabinet's approval of the Women's Reservation Bill for parliamentary discussion. 

"Having navigated the rough terrain of a predominantly male political landscape myself, I am happy to see that finally the Women Reservation bill will become a reality. Despite constituting half of the population, we are grossly underrepresented. It's a great step," Mufti wrote on X.

Mufti stressed that it's never too late to pass the bill in Parliament, considering the challenges women face in male-dominated politics. She insisted the need for women to have a voice at the decision-making table, whether in state assemblies or the national parliament.

Mufti also echoed former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's sentiment that the bill belongs to all, acknowledging the role played by late former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in promoting women's representation, especially in panchayats. She called panchayats the training ground for women to assume larger responsibilities in politics.

Mufti recognized the past challenges the bill faced, including opposition from regional parties seeking quotas within quotas for marginalized women. She insisted on the significance of bipartisan support, with both Congress and BJP contributing to the bill's progress, ultimately benefiting women in Indian politics.