Sikkim CM spokesperson says SKM focused only on women’s rights in bill, expresses disappointment over failure

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has expressed disappointment after the Women’s Reservation Bill failed to pass, while defending its unwavering support for the proposal.

 

Addressing the issue, party spokesperson and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Jacob Khaling Rai, said the party remained singularly focused on women’s rights. “We were looking only at women’s rights in this bill. We did not look to the left or right,” he stated.

 

Drawing a comparison with the story of Arjuna, Rai said the party’s approach was similar to Arjuna focusing only on the eye of the bird. “In the same way, we focused only on women’s rights within this bill, without looking in any other direction,” he added.

 

He noted that the bill could have brought additional benefits to Sikkim, including a possible increase in representation in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha, which would have strengthened governance and political standing of the state.

 

However, Rai emphasised that for SKM, women’s rights remained the top priority above all other considerations. He described women as the foundation of society, highlighting their crucial role in shaping families and communities.

 

Calling the bill historic, the party expressed regret that it failed to secure enough support in Parliament. It also criticised those who opposed the measure, while expressing hope that such legislation would be passed in the future.

 

Reaffirming its commitment, SKM stated it will continue to promote women’s empowerment in Sikkim by ensuring greater representation and opportunities for women in both governance and party structure, and will further strengthen efforts for their upliftment and development.