Olympic sprinter Dutee Chand urged greater political representation for women following the failure of a landmark reservation bill.
BHUBANESWAR
Olympic sprinter Dutee Chand is calling for a major shift in Indian politics, urging for more support and better representation for women. Following a special session of the Odisha Assembly, Chand highlighted that while women are excelling in sports and business, they are still pushed to the sidelines in government.
The debate comes after a tense political showdown in New Delhi. On April 17, a major constitutional bill that aimed to reserve one-third of seats for women failed to pass in the Lok Sabha. Although nearly 300 members voted in favor, the opposition’s rejection meant the bill fell short. This sparked a one-day special session in Odisha on April 30, where leaders discussed the future of women in democracy.
Chand expressed her frustration with the current numbers, noting that there are far too few women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. She believes that women cannot truly lead if they are not given the same backing as their male counterparts. “Women are progressing everywhere today,” she said, “but in politics, they do not get the support they deserve.”
The failed bill has triggered a massive political row. The BJP has accused other parties of blocking progress, even organizing marches to protest the decision. Meanwhile, Chand remains focused on the human side of the issue. She insists that for India to truly move forward, women must have a seat at the table where the biggest decisions are made. For her, this isn’t just about politics, it’s about basic fairness.