TN Assembly polls | Why is PM silent on Women’s Reservation Bill, asks CPI’s D. Raja

Mr. Raja said that if the Prime Minister was concerned about women empowerment, he would have ensured the passage of the long-pending Bill in the Lok Sabha

CPI general secretary D. Raja on Wednesday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his silence regarding the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament that proposes 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State legislatures. Speaking to mediapersons in Tiruppur, he replied to a question on Mr. Modi’s speech at the Dharapuram public meeting, where . Asserting that the State has a history of fighting for social justice and women’s rights, Mr. Raja remarked that if the Prime Minister is concerned about women empowerment, he would have ensured the passage of the long-pending Bill in the Lok Sabha -- which has not happened, despite the BJP enjoying a majority. “[Mr. Modi] should not pretend as if he stands for women’s rights and gender equality in Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Raja said.