J&K leaders support Women’s Reservation Bill

April 7, 2026

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday welcomed the Women’s Reservation Bill, calling it an important step towards increasing women’s participation in governance.

Minister says Bill turning point for women 

Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Minister Itoo said, “I believe this should have come earlier, but better late than never.” She added that the bill will prove to be a turning point in addressing the gender imbalance in politics.

Comment on societal mindset

Referring to the challenges in society, she said that some people still cannot accept women’s progress. “Some people cannot tolerate women. When women progress, they develop an inferiority complex. The passage of this bill will end the dominance of such people,” she said.

Inspiration from Women Leaders

Congratulating women across the country, Itu said, “I am very happy and congratulate my sisters from Kashmir to all of India.”

She added, “Some people try to suppress women, but I hope that women like Rani Lakshmibai, Indira Gandhi, today’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Leader of the Opposition Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will continue to move forward with integrity.”

Support from AAP leader Karamjit Kaur

Meanwhile, Karamjit Kaur, the Aam Aadmi Party’s Lok Sabha in-charge from Hoshiarpur, also welcomed the bill, calling it a major step towards women’s empowerment.

She said the Aam Aadmi Party fully supports this decision and that it could bring about a major change for women. “Millions of women in many states across the country already work under reservation. If it is implemented in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies as well, it will prove to be a historic change,” she said.

Reaction from a political perspective

However, Kaur also expressed some uncertainty about the bill’s passage in Parliament. “The question still remains whether this bill will pass,” she said.

She clarified that it should not be viewed from a single party’s perspective. “It’s not just for one party, like the BJP. If it passes, all parties and their workers will benefit,” she said.

Kaur said the issue should not be politicized. “This is an issue related to women’s rights and empowerment, and everyone should welcome it.”

Referring to her personal journey

Sharing her experiences, Kaur explained that she started as a volunteer in the party and was later given important responsibilities. She said this reflects the party’s commitment to advancing women.