*YSRCP backs Women’s Reservation Bill, slams Coalition for failing Women*

Tadepalli/Visakhapatnam, April 17: Former Minister Vidadala Rajini and former Deputy Chief Minister Pamula Pushpa Sreevani reaffirmed that the YSR Congress Party fully supports the Women’s Reservation Bill, calling it a historic step that will transform the political landscape of the country by ensuring 33% representation for women in legislatures. Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli and the party city office in Visakhapatnam, they expressed confidence that the bill will significantly enhance women’s participation in governance and decision-making.

They highlighted that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had already set a national benchmark by implementing 50% reservation for women during his tenure, the first such initiative in the country, along with giving women key leadership roles including Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister positions. They noted that women constitute nearly 50% of the population, 40% of the workforce, and 34% of the IT sector, yet their representation in legislatures has remained below 14%, making the bill both necessary and long overdue. They said the legislation will not only increase representation but also empower women to raise their voices against injustice and actively participate in policymaking.

Citing YS Jagan’s governance, they said women were given unprecedented opportunities across communities, including SC, BC, and minority women, with appointments ranging from Deputy CM to Cabinet ministers and Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson. Pushpa Sreevani stated that her own elevation as Deputy Chief Minister stands as an example of YS Jagan’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
Strongly criticising the coalition government, the leaders said women’s safety has deteriorated significantly, with rising incidents of violence, harassment, and murders becoming routine. They alleged that despite tall claims by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, there is little evidence of action against offenders, while police are failing to even register complaints from victims and are instead supporting ruling party leaders. They accused the coalition of reducing women to a vote bank, with its own leaders engaging in harassment without facing consequences, leading to a collapse of law and order.

They concluded that while YSRCP remains firmly committed to strengthening women’s political representation and empowerment through its support for the reservation bill, the current government has failed to ensure even basic safety and dignity for women in the state.