PANJIM: The process to implement the 33 per cent reservation for women in elections will take at least 10 more years before it becomes a reality, said INDIA Bloc’s North Goa candidate Adv Ramakant Khalap of the Congress party.
He was speaking after holding a corner meeting at Guirim in Saligao Assembly constituency.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced 33% reservation for women in elections. However, the entire process, from census to completing the delimitation across the country will take a minimum of 10 years. So this means, the Lok Sabha polls to be held after 2035 could see the reservation implemented. This is contrary to the misleading assurances being given to the people by BJP,” Khalap said.
“It is good thing that our women will be able to have a proper voice. Whoever is elected to Parliament cannot be a mute spectator. That person must be the voice of the people. His voice must be heard in Delhi. In democracy, the voice of the people matters,” he said in reference to the incumbent MP, BJP’s Shripad Naik.
Khalap said that people of Goa, especially Mandrem constituency, recall the works completed by him during his term as MLA.
“I was elected five times as Mandrem MLA, and the sixth time, I was requested to contest for the Member of Parliament seat, which I won. Under then Prime Minister Deve Gowda, I was sworn in as Law Minister. It gives me great satisfaction that with the law portfolio, I made Goans proud by introducing various legislations in Parliament,” he said.
