Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to implement women’s reservation in the next Assembly elections, as announced by the newly-elected state president, Kaling Moyong.
The initiative aims to empower women in governance and elevate their participation in decision-making processes.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has revealed plans to field 20 women candidates in the 60-member Assembly during the 2029 elections.
This move aligns with the women’s reservation bill signed into law by President Droupadi Murmu in September 2023, which provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. While the law’s implementation awaits the next census and subsequent delimitation, Moyong emphasized that the party is committed to fostering political opportunities for women.
Moyong shared that Chief Minister Khandu has instructed the party leadership to motivate women to step into the political arena.
He reiterated that party tickets would only be given to competent candidates, regardless of their affiliations, stating, “Even spouses of sitting ministers and MLAs will not get party tickets if they are not competent.” Highlighting the potential of women in Arunachal, he added, “Women of the state are excelling in various fields and can shine in politics too. Political and societal barriers must be broken.”
On the party’s broader goals, Moyong stressed the importance of public outreach to raise awareness about government schemes and ensure their effective implementation. He pledged to strengthen the party at the grassroots level through coordination and teamwork. He also announced plans to tour all districts to enhance connectivity between state and booth-level functionaries.
Under Khandu’s leadership, the BJP secured a third consecutive term in Arunachal Pradesh in June 2023. With this new direction focusing on women’s empowerment and grassroots strengthening, the party aims to continue its dominance in the state’s political landscape.