Our Bureau
Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that West Bengal women will benefit from 33 percent reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies starting from the 2029 polls. He made this announcement at his first rally in Cooch Behar after the West Bengal assembly election schedule was revealed.
Modi spoke to a large crowd in Cooch Behar, including many women from the area and nearby districts. He said the NDA government passed the women’s quota law in 2023 and now wants it to start from the next Lok Sabha election. “The sisters of West Bengal and the entire country should begin getting benefit from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections itself,” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister called on all parties to support this in the special Parliament session starting April 16. He assured states with good population control, like those in the south, will not lose seats. Parliament plans to raise Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to make the quota work.
Key Election Facts
West Bengal assembly polls for 294 seats will happen on April 23 and April 29, with votes counted on May 4. Women make up a big part of voters here, with 3.44 crore women electors against 3.60 crore men in a total of 7.04 crore. Women have turned out in higher numbers than men in recent years.
BJP’s Pitch Against TMC
Modi highlighted Bengal’s tradition of Shakti worship and said BJP stands for women’s security, dignity, and empowerment. He attacked the ruling TMC over the Sandeshkhali incidents of atrocities on women. “On one side, screams of sisters as in Sandeshkhali; on the other, Modi’s guarantee,” he said.
BJP aims to win women voters, who support TMC due to schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar. Modi said a BJP government in Bengal will truly empower women, as seen nationwide.
