Chandigarh: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday welcomed the decision of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to support the Women's Reservation Bill, noting that the move follows the example set by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Taking to X, the Union Minister emphasised the importance of political unity in achieving equal representation for women through a fair delimitation process.
"I wholeheartedly welcome this very important decision taken by Shiromani Akali Dal following the example set by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee @SGPCAmritsar. We must come together to empower Women with a fair & equitable Delimitation that ensures equal representation," Rijiju posted on X.
I wholeheartedly welcome this very important decision taken by Shiromani Akali Dal following the example set by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee @SGPCAmritsar
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 8, 2026
We must come together to empower Women with a fair & equitable Delimitation that ensures equal representation. https://t.co/WBsLL0DEFu
The Union Minister's remarks come as the government pushes for the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which seeks to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women.
Earlier today in the party meeting, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal demanded that Parliament pass the women's reservation bill and the delimitation bill for uniform 50 per cent increase in seats for states so that they are implemented without further delay, citing the teachings of the Sikh Gurus regarding gender equality.
The demand followed a high-level meeting of the party's senior leadership held in Chandigarh to deliberate on key legislative issues currently before Parliament.
Taking to X, the SAD president stated, "The Shiromani Akali Dal, at a meeting of its senior leaders in Chandigarh today, demanded the immediate implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill in the country."
Highlighting the ideological roots of the party's stance, Badal noted that the SAD draws its values from the foundation of the Sikh faith.
"The Shiromani Akali Dal draws inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who championed the dignity, equality and equal rights of women. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has already set an example by providing for women's reservation in its House," he said.
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In addition to the reservation bill, the party also held extensive discussions regarding the proposed Delimitation exercise. Badal emphasised that the process must be conducted in a manner that protects the interests of all states.
"After detailed deliberations on key issues before Parliament, the Shiromani Akali Dal also demanded a fair and equitable Delimitation that ensures equal representation to all States," Badal posted.
He further expressed the party's support for a specific seat-increase formula to ensure no state is disadvantaged.
"The Shiromani Akali Dal supported the proposal which was put up by the Government of India at the floor of the House of a uniform increase of 50% of seats of all states. The party emphasised that women reservation and Delimitation should be done immediately," the SAD chief added.
The Shiromani Akali Dal, at a meeting of its senior leaders in Chandigarh today, demanded the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the country.
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) August 8, 2026
The Shiromani Akali Dal draws inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who championed the dignity,… pic.twitter.com/y7VP39zdyk
The announcement came a day after Badal's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi which has ignited speculation on the erstwhile allies joining hands again for the assembly elections due early next year.
Akali Dal had left the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) six years ago citing differences over the three farm laws, which now stand repealed.
Badal met Modi at his office in the Parliament House complex on Friday.
Asked about the meeting and the talk of patch-up, Cheema said, "He is our Prime Minister, and the party president can meet the Prime Minister at any time.
"You can ask him about it when you meet him. I do not comment on these matters because the role of a spokesperson is to convey the party’s decisions to the media. As and when a decision is taken, we will certainly inform you."
The government is making a fresh attempt for the passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and redraw the Lok Sabha constituencies to increase their number to 816 in the ongoing Monsoon session by reaching out to opposition leaders and NDA allies.
The Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the last session.
