📰 Almora News | Special Political Report
Almora:
The issue of women’s reservation has once again gained momentum in Uttarakhand’s political landscape, with senior Congress leader and former State Minister (status) Advocate Kewal Sati launching a strong attack on the state government. In a press statement released today, Sati urged the Dhami-led government to take concrete steps toward implementing 33% reservation for women in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly during the upcoming special session.
Sati pointed out that the Women’s Reservation Bill, passed unanimously by the central government in 2023, has now been officially notified on April 16, 2026, making it operational. In this context, he said, it is both an opportunity and a responsibility for the Uttarakhand government to align with this progressive reform and ensure adequate political representation for women at the state level.
He emphasized that if Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and his administration are genuinely committed to empowering women, they should introduce a proposal in the special session to reserve 33% of the 70 विधानसभा seats in Uttarakhand for women. According to Sati, such a move would not only reflect political will but also demonstrate respect for “Nari Shakti” in a meaningful way.
Calling the issue one of social justice rather than mere politics, Sati said that women in Uttarakhand have historically played a crucial role in shaping society, economy, and grassroots movements. However, despite their contributions, their representation in legislative bodies remains disproportionately low. “Reservation is not about charity, it is about rightful participation,” he asserted.
Sati further clarified that the Congress party fully supports the Women’s Reservation Bill. He stated that the Pradesh Congress leadership, including the state president and senior office bearers, has taken a unified stand in favor of the bill. He added that Congress will support the legislation both inside the Assembly and outside, ensuring that the issue remains at the forefront of public discourse.
Taking a sharp dig at the ruling BJP government, Sati accused it of making tall claims about women empowerment without translating them into action. He said that while the government frequently highlights schemes and slogans centered around women, it now faces a real test of intent. “This is the moment of truth for the Dhami government—whether it genuinely wants to empower women or merely use the issue for political mileage,” he remarked.
He warned that if the government fails to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill in the special session, it will expose what he termed as the “anti-women face” of the administration. Such inaction, he said, would send a negative message to women across the state and undermine trust in the government’s commitment to gender equality.
Sati also highlighted the broader implications of implementing women’s reservation. He noted that increased participation of women in politics leads to more inclusive governance, better policy decisions, and stronger focus on issues like health, education, and social welfare. “Empowered women leaders bring a different perspective to governance, which ultimately benefits society as a whole,” he said.
Political observers believe that the demand for women’s reservation could become a key issue in the upcoming elections. With parties trying to position themselves as champions of women’s rights, the response of the Dhami government to this demand will be closely watched. The special session of the Assembly is now expected to become a crucial platform where the government’s intent and political priorities will be tested.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders have indicated that if the government does not act on this demand, the party will take the issue to the जनता, launching a wider campaign to mobilize support for women’s political rights. Sati reiterated that the fight for women’s reservation is not limited to legislative halls but is part of a larger movement for equality and justice.
As the debate intensifies, the coming days are likely to witness heightened political activity around the issue. Whether the state government takes a decisive step or chooses to delay action will significantly influence the narrative ahead of the elections.
