‘From 33% To 50%’: At SheShakti, CM Fadnavis Says Women’s Representation Will Rise Beyond Quotas

Last Updated:July 31, 2025, 21:16 IST

From ‘sarpanch-patis’ to self-driven leaders, Fadnavis traced how women reshaped Maharashtra’s local politics and why he believes Parliament is next.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in conversation with Network18 Managing Editor Palki Sharma during the fireside chat ‘From Tradition to Transformation: Women Leading the Maharashtra Story’ at News18 SheShakti West in Mumbai. (IMAGE: NEWS18)

At the News18 SheShakti West summit in Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said India’s women-led transformation in politics is entering a new phase and that the next decade will see them surpass the 33% reservation mandated by the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

He said that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term, is a landmark reform. “The maturity of our democracy and of our women has brought us here. Sometimes the law forces us to act, but once people see the change, they understand it was the right thing to do."

“In 2029, when it becomes compulsory to give tickets to women, I don’t think we will stop at 33%. Within ten years, it will be 50%," Fadnavis said, in conversation with Palki Sharma, Managing Editor at Network18.

The BJP stalwart, who first won a municipal election in 1992, recalled how the initial wave of reservations for women in local bodies often led to male relatives operating behind the scenes. “At that time, women had 33% of the seats. But many were stand-ins. The terms ‘sarpanch-pati’ and ‘corporator-pati’ came into existence because men felt it was their role," he said.

But a shift began around 1997, he added. “Women started performing in those roles. By 2002, that completely changed." Today, Fadnavis said, Maharashtra’s civic bodies reflect the shift. “We have 50% reservation, but in many corporations and panchayats, women’s representation is at 52–55%, even in unreserved seats."

Despite this progress at the grassroots, he acknowledged that women remain underrepresented in Parliament. “When we meet to decide tickets, our party makes it a point to prioritise women candidates. But the problem is, we still don’t have enough contenders."

Fadnavis also spoke about workplace reforms in Maharashtra. “In 2015, we amended night shift rules. Women can now work night shifts, but pickup, drop and safety is the employer’s responsibility," he said.

Corporate India, he noted, is moving ahead of regulations. “I meet business owners who tell me 30–40% of their workforce are women. They’ve done it without being told to. They say women are sincere, don’t fight, and there are no strikes," he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

“Industries are realising that women increase workforce efficiency," he said. “We will bring regulation if needed, but so far, we haven’t had to."

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...

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