Chandigarh: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), at a meeting of its senior leaders held in Chandigarh, demanded the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill across the country. The meeting was chaired by Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab.
The Shiromani Akali Dal said its position draws inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who championed the dignity, equality and equal rights of women. The party also pointed out that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has already set an example by providing for women’s reservation in its House.
After detailed deliberations on key issues currently before Parliament, the SAD also called for a fair and equitable delimitation process that ensures equal representation for all states. The party supported the proposal put forward by the Government of India on the floor of the House for a uniform 50 per cent increase in the number of seats for all states.
The Shiromani Akali Dal emphasised that both women’s reservation and delimitation should be implemented immediately, while ensuring equitable representation among all states.