Politics
05 Apr, 2026
Modi makes 33 pc quota pitch to Bengal's women voters, says benefit from 2029 LS polls
Business To Business, Kolkata, 05 April 2026: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said that 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies would start taking effect from the 2029 parliamentary elections.
Addressing a rally in Cooch Behar, Modi made a direct appeal to women voters in West Bengal, a key support base of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
- Highlighted the women’s reservation law, aimed at increasing women’s participation in law-making
- Said the policy would be implemented from 2029 onward
- Emphasised the importance of greater representation of women in governance
- Invoked Bengal’s tradition of “Shakti” worship to connect with women voters
- Referred to the Sandeshkhali issue to raise concerns about women’s safety
- Positioned the BJP as a guarantor of “security, dignity and empowerment” for women
The remarks are part of BJP’s broader strategy to:
- Expand its support among women voters in West Bengal
- Challenge the TMC’s traditional voter base
- Highlight governance and safety issues as election themes
The announcement reinforces the government’s push to
institutionalise women’s representation, while also serving as a key electoral message ahead of upcoming polls.