Congress Strengthened Women’s Empowerment: Shalet Pinto

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 20, 2026: Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board Chairperson Shalet Pinto on Monday said that the Congress party has played a significant role in politically empowering women by introducing reservation in the Panchayat Raj system.

Addressing a press conference at the Dakshina Kannada District Congress office, she urged the Centre to implement the 33% women’s reservation approved in 2023 without linking it to constituency delimitation, so as to enable greater participation of women in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Pinto alleged that the Centre’s move to link women’s reservation with delimitation and the census has delayed its implementation, despite the quota being unanimously approved by all parties. She called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that the reservation is implemented in its original form.

Recalling Congress’ legacy, she said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had envisioned women’s reservation in the 1980s, and later, during the tenure of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, the party implemented 33% reservation for women in local bodies. She added that this laid the foundation for women across parties, including the BJP, to rise to leadership roles.

Criticising BJP women leaders for targeting Congress over the delay in the women’s reservation bill, Pinto urged them instead to press the Central government to implement the already approved quota.

Pinto further questioned whether the Election Commission was aware of such legislative moves during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. She reiterated that Congress has consistently supported women’s reservation and will continue to do so. Referring to Priyanka Gandhi’s stance, she said the demand for implementation of women’s reservation must be realised.

She also highlighted that women have been empowered through various schemes under the Siddaramaiah-led state government, and expressed hope that women would gain stronger political representation through reservation in the future.

Congress leaders Usha Anchan, Namita D. Rao, Geetha Attavar, Surekha Chandrahass, Chandrakala Jogi, Roopa, Sarika and others were present.