Ahmedabad, April 20 Fifty per cent reservation for women in local self-government institutions was made possible due to the efforts of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the Congress party, Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil said on Monday while campaigning for the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections.
Addressing election meetings across various wards in Ahmedabad, Gohil said the measure had strengthened women’s participation at the grassroots level.
He added that although a law providing reservations for women in Parliament and state assemblies was passed unanimously in 2023, it has not yet been implemented.
“The women’s reservation law has already been passed. The government should implement it immediately. If any amendments are required, the government should convene Parliament, and all opposition parties will support it,” he said.
Gohil, who also took part in campaign rallies and public outreach programmes with party candidates and leaders, criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that corruption was being carried out “fearlessly”.
He said contractors were awarded work orders only after “percentages” were added for party leaders.
“That is why bridges collapse even before inauguration,” he said, adding that under the BJP’s governance, newly constructed bridges have failed due to corruption, and repair contracts are issued at costs higher than the original construction.
"The BJP had come to power in the past with a large majority, while voters had not ensured a strong opposition, which enabled such practices," he said.
Appealing to voters ahead of the civic polls, he said the Congress should be given a majority to ensure “corruption-free governance”.
Outlining the party’s commitments, Gohil said: "Congress-led civic administration would provide affordable and quality education, improve road infrastructure, address water supply and drainage issues, and introduce planning to prevent traffic congestion."
He also said efforts would be made to reduce the burden of taxation, ensure that no person’s house is demolished arbitrarily, and implement a rehabilitation policy.
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