The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party announced here on Monday it would have 33 percent of women members in its leadership.
“So much has been said about the passing of the Women's Reservation Bill, but among those parties that are supporting the Bill there is not even 3 per cent reservation for women within the party. The BJP is the only party that actually executes what it says,” said Rahul Sinha, State unit president.
Part of national drive
“As part of a national drive, we have expanded the number of office-bearers in the State to 25, including eight women. The party has also nominated 33 women from among 103 members of the State committee,” Mr. Sinha said.
The party had tried to bring in representatives from districts and younger leaders into the State committee.
“Six representatives from north Bengal were included in the State committee, a first for the party,” Mr. Sinha said.
Civic elections
On the coming elections to 82 municipal bodies in the State, he said the party had decided not to form any alliances at the State level. However, the district committees have been empowered to decide on any local adjustments with political parties.
“The district leadership has been told that we are willing to align with any party other than the Communist Party of India (Marxist),” he said.
On being asked if his party would hold discussions with any other constituent of the Left Front, Mr. Sinha said: “That can certainly be considered.”
Third front
“For the Assembly elections that are to be held in 2011, the party would adopt a different strategy. The party would float a third front, he said.
