In women-related matters, we do not play any politics: FM Sitharaman on women's reservation bill in Rajya Sabha

In women-related matters, we (BJP) do not play any politics as it is an article of faith for the Prime Minister, and therefore we do everything that we have done, whether it is Article 370, triple talaq, or the women's reservation bill, said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday during the debate on women's reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha.

The BJP has been consistently supportive of women's reservation, Sitharaman said.

The Finance Minister also said that she wanted to give credit to former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao's government for bringing 33% reservation at the panchayat level.


"As a result, we have seen a groundswell at panchayat level where reservation has been increased to 50% showing the contribution of women," she added.

"It is important we build consensus and prepare for economic and social empowerment of women," Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Responding to the Opposition's question on why a special session of Parliament was called, Sitharaman said that the women's reservation bill is a very good start for the new Parliament building.