SAD chief seeks urgent passage of women’s quota Bill day after meeting PM Modi

A day after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has demanded that Parliament urgently pass the women's reservation bill and a delimitation bill for a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats for all states. The party announced the demand after a senior leaders' meeting on Saturday, 8 August.

"The Shiromani Akali Dal draws inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who championed dignity, equality and equal rights of women," Badal said in a post on X, citing the SGPC's existing women's reservation as an example. The party also demanded "fair and equitable delimitation that ensures equal representation to all states."

The meeting with PM Modi on Friday has triggered speculation that the erstwhile NDA allies could join hands again ahead of assembly elections due early next year. SAD left the BJP-led alliance six years ago over the three farm laws, now repealed. When asked about a possible patch-up, SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema declined comment, saying: "As and when a decision is taken, we will certainly inform you."