Dutee Chand Advocates for Enhanced Women's Representation in Politics

Olympian sprinter Dutee Chand has made a compelling case for increased support and representation of women in politics. Speaking during a special session of the Odisha Assembly focused on women's reservation, she highlighted the ongoing underrepresentation of women in legislative bodies. Despite progress in various fields, Chand emphasized the need for women to receive more backing in political decision-making. This call to action comes in the wake of recent political developments, including the rejection of a crucial Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at enhancing women's legislative representation. Chand's remarks underscore the importance of women's voices in shaping democracy.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 02:45 IST

Call for Greater Women's Involvement in Political Arenas

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 1: Olympian sprinter Dutee Chand has emphasized the urgent need for increased support and representation of women in political spheres, noting their continued underrepresentation in legislative bodies despite advancements in various sectors.

In a conversation with a News Media outlet, Chand referenced a recent special session of the Odisha Assembly that centered on women's reservation, highlighting the necessity for more women to engage in political decision-making processes.

“A special session of the Odisha Assembly was convened to discuss women's reservation... Women should receive backing in all areas. While women are making strides in numerous fields, they still lack adequate support in politics,” she remarked.

Chand also pointed out the dismal representation of women in elected positions, including the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

“The representation of women in the Lok Sabha and the Assembly remains insufficient,” she stated.

The Odisha Legislative Assembly conducted a one-day special session on April 30 to deliberate on women's participation in Indian democracy.

This discussion follows the Opposition's rejection of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on April 17.

During the session, the Lok Sabha addressed the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-first Amendment) Bill, the Delimitation Bill, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill simultaneously. In the voting that ensued regarding the Constitution Amendment Bill, 298 members supported it while 230 opposed it.

Following the defeat of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, the NDA criticized the Opposition, accusing them of obstructing the one-third reservation for women legislators. In Odisha, the BJP claimed that a BJD-Congress alliance was working to thwart the proposed legislation. The BJP has organized Jan Akrosh Padyatras across several states to denounce the actions of the Opposition parties.