Chandigarh: A day after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time in five years, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by Sukhbir Badal, on Saturday demanded the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, besides supporting the Union government’s proposal to increase parliamentary seats in states by 50 per cent.
These decisions were taken at a meeting of senior SAD leaders here after detailed deliberations on key issues before Parliament. The meeting was presided over by Badal.
The party made it clear that it stood for the immediate passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill as well as delimitation.
Asserting that the Akali Dal supported the proposal put up in the Lok Sabha by the Union Government to increase the share of all states in parliamentary seats by 50 per cent, Badal said the party stood for a fair and equitable delimitation exercise which ensured equal increase in representation to all states.
“This will ensure justice is done to all states,” he said in a statement.
Speaking on the issue of the Women’s Reservation Bill, Badal said the Akali Dal drew its inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus who had always championed the dignity of women as well as ensuring equality and equal rights to them.
He added that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had also set an example by providing for women’s reservation in its House.
Senior leaders who attended the meeting included Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Sikandar Singh Maluka, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Daljit Singh Cheema and Hira Singh Gabhria.
With Punjab elections around the corner, Badal on Friday called on PM Modi in New Delhi over the law and order situation in Punjab. Speculation is rife over a pre‑poll alliance between both parties, once two‑decade‑old coalition partners.
Akali leaders said the discussion between PM Modi and Badal centred on Punjab, with Badal raising the law and order situation. “Even PM heard all our concerns,” remarked a senior Akali leader.
(IANS)
