In a huge decision that could change the game for Congress and Indian politics in general, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Tuesday that her party would award women 40% of the seats in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
She stated that all women who wish to see a change in the system are welcome to run for office.
"Any woman who wishes to run for president can do so until October 15," she said at a press conference.
Priyanka stated that the decision was made for the woman named Paro, who had held her hand in Prayagraj and expressed her desire to enter politics.
"This verdict is for Vaishnavi in Chandauli, as well as the sisters-in-law of two Hathras and Unnao rape victims who are battling for justice and against the system."
"This is for any woman who wants to be heard, whether it's Laxmi Valmiki of Lucknow, who aspires to be a doctor, or the daughter of journalist Raman Kashyap, who was slain in the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri.
"This is also for Madhu and Pooja, two female constables who apprehended me at Sitapur and stayed with me till 4 a.m. Today, power entails trampling on society's weakest members, particularly women, said Priyanka
She said that women were not only more powerful, but also more caring and sensitive, and that they had the potential to reform the political system.
When asked if the same formula of 40% reservation for women would be applied to states ruled by the Congress, including Punjab, Priyanka responded, "I am in charge of UP, and this decision was made here. If they (Punjab) want to use the formula, they are welcome to do so." She claimed that women were being split by caste, weakening their fight for justice.
"The struggle of a woman isn't confined to a gas cylinder or Rs 2,000. It's more than that. We must break free from the chains of casteism and communalism and unite as a people "she stated