In a major boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plans to pilot bills in Parliament for early rollout of 33 per cent women’s quotas in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, former President and Congress veteran Pratibha Patil has come out in support of the move.In a letter to Modi, India’s first woman President said she has long believed that real women’s empowerment will come only when women have an equal say in decision-making in the country.Yesterday, first woman Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, another senior Congress leader, had come out to back the move. She had even attended a related seminar led by the Prime Minister.“I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the initiative for historic implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This landmark constitutional amendment represents a transformative step in strengthening India’s democratic framework by ensuring greater representation and participation of women in legislative bodies,” Patil wrote.She added, “As the first woman President of India, I have long championed the belief that genuine women’s empowerment can only be achieved by providing them equal opportunities to shape decisions that affect the nation. This amendment is far more than a legal provision; it is a powerful affirmation of our collective resolve to advance gender equality, foster inclusive governance, and build a stronger, more progressive India.”Her remarks come on a day when the Congress-led Opposition bloc is meeting to discuss their strategy on the issue. The party has raised concerns over what it calls “unfair delimitation” in the garb of women’s reservation.Patil, however, underlined that the enhanced presence of women in Parliament and state legislatures would enrich debates with diverse perspectives, lead to more balanced and empathetic policy outcomes, and serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of women to actively participate in public life.“India has consistently witnessed the extraordinary contributions of women across every sphere of national development, often surmounting formidable social and structural barriers. This legislation formally recognises their immense potential and institutionalises pathways for their leadership at the highest levels of governance. It marks a decisive stride towards bridging historical inequities and creating a more just and equitable society,” the former President said.She expressed confidence that this progressive initiative would inspire women, particularly from rural and marginalised communities, to pursue leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.“It also sends a clear and powerful message to the world about India’s unwavering commitment to gender justice and inclusive democracy.I commend the leaders, and all stakeholders, who worked tirelessly over the years to turn this long-cherished dream into reality. This landmark reform will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a more equitable, empowered, and inclusive India,” says the letter reviewed by The Tribune.