Naga People’s Front has reiterated its support for reservation of seats for women in State Legislatures and Parliament, provided it is implemented in a fair, just and equitable manner.
In a press communiqué, NPF said its commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality has been consistent both in principle and practice, and noted that the only two women MLAs in the present Nagaland Legislative Assembly– the first in the State’s history– belong to the party, reflecting the party’s inclusive political approach.
On delimitation, NPF said recent proposals indicated an increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to around 813 seats, linked to proposed constitutional and electoral reforms. However, it said media-reported projections suggested that redistribution of seats was likely to favour certain high-population regions, while Nagaland and most other North Eastern States, except Assam, were not expected to see any meaningful increase in representation.
NPF said this raised serious concerns over regional balance, equity and federal fairness, reiterating its long-standing position that Nagaland remained underrepresented in Parliament with only one seat each in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. It pointed out that this stood in contrast to several States with similar or smaller populations that enjoyed higher representation.
The party also expressed concern that despite being a senior NDA partner, it was neither consulted nor engaged before introduction of the proposals in Parliament, adding that details of the exercise were known primarily through media reports, with no clear assurance of increased representation for Nagaland.
Further, NPF noted with concern the silence of the two sitting Members of Parliament from Nagaland on the issue, stating that it was their responsibility to strongly represent the State’s interests in Parliament.
Reaffirming its commitment to protect the rights, interests and aspirations of the Naga people, NPF said it would continue to pursue fair and equitable representation at all levels.
Women’s quota, delimitation vital: Patton
Deputy chief minister, Yanthungo Patton has said that women’s reservation and delimitation are issues of great significance for the future of the country and its democratic institutions.
Patton lauded the vision and resolve of BJP-led NDA government for providing 33% reservation for women in legislatures, stating that it reflects the growing role of women in public life and their rightful place in decision-making bodies.
He said the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently worked for the welfare, dignity and advancement of women. He noted that initiatives in housing, sanitation, healthcare, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and education have created new opportunities for women and strengthened families in both rural and urban India.
On delimitation, Patton said reforms must protect fairness among all states and regions, adding that smaller states, especially in the Northeast, must receive due attention so that their voices remain strong in Parliament. He said national unity becomes stronger when every part of the country feels heard and respected.
He further stated that Nagaland, with its unique history, identity and contribution to the Union, must continue to receive proper representation in Parliament, and that the interests of the people should be kept in mind in any future restructuring of seats. Expressing confidence, Patton said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, concerns of all states, including Nagaland, would be heard and addressed in a balanced manner.