This could be an unpopular thread. It is on Politics. I request all of you to kindly not outrage, nor tag leaders

I am concerned about Reserved Seats. I am not getting into the debate of whether Reservation of any form is necessary or not. Let that be for another thread. 1/n

We already have reservations for SC/ST in our Electoral Arena with seats earmarked for them. As per the new law, these Reserved Seats are to be changed regularly so that one constituency don't end up being a Reserved Seat in perpetuity.2/n

A few years ago there was a big push for Womens' Reservation Bill in the Parliament whereby 33% of the Seats in LS and Assemblies are Reserved for Women. 3/n

Now, before all of you ladies sharpen your knife calling me a typical MCP, let me tell you that the reason has nothing to do with my being a man.

I respect women's abilities and am of the firm view that they are equal to men in all spheres barring none. 4/n

This has been proven by our Women under Modi, where most doors have been opened for them. Indian Women have proved time and again, they are equal and better than their Male Counterpart in many areas, when given an opportunity.

My reasons are different. 5/n

Democracy is about making a free choice. There should not be restrictions for the voter while making a choice.

We have 545 seats in the Lok Sabha including the speaker & 2 nominated members. Out of this 79 seats are reserved for SC and 41 for ST - a total of 120 (22%) 6/n

Allowing 33 1/3rd seats reservation for women means 182 seats in total, out of which 42 will be sub reserved for SC/ST. Hence, the total number of seats reserved will be ((182-42) + 120= 260) which is 47.7% of 545. 7/n

Any reservation, be it women's or SC/ST or OBC or minority (the last 2 a distinct possibility) reduces the voters choice. Why should Government dictate to me, a voter, that I have the right to choose from only women, SC/ST, OBC, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Jain, Parsi 8/n

and that too in nearly 50% of the constituencies. This is ridiculous.

Instead of championing the 33 1/3rd reservation, the women of our country should demand equality. The political parties can suo motto give 33% of their seats to women candidates. 9/n

Why limit to 33%, they can give 50 % or 60% or even 100% to women or anyone of their choice. Ditto for Social Objective Category people or Minorities. 10/n

But the voters should be given the full range of choices. That is the hallmark of a true democracy.

What we need in our country is total inclusiveness, not exclusivity. n/n