West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at a public event on Saturday, April 16, 2026, challenged critics who question her commitment to women's political representation. She stated, "Don't lecture me on women's reservation," and pointed to her party's record in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Banerjee highlighted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) sent 13 women MPs to Parliament, which she claimed was the highest tally for any political party from a single state. She also referenced her long-standing advocacy, noting she first raised the issue of women's reservation in Parliament back in 1998.
The Chief Minister's remarks come amid ongoing national debate regarding the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, which was passed by Parliament in 2023. The bill mandates reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women, but its implementation is contingent on a delimitation exercise.
Political analysts note that while the TMC has a significant number of women representatives, Banerjee's comments are seen as a direct political rebuttal to opponents, particularly the BJP, which has also championed the bill. The exchange underscores the continued political maneuvering around gender representation in Indian politics.
