Leaders of the Opposition in Punjab have largely welcomed the Centre’s move to introduce 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, calling it a step in the right direction.From Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “We already have 11 women MLAs. No other party has such representation. I welcome the 33 per cent reservation for women.”Leader of Opposition in the Vidhan Sabha and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa reiterated his party’s long-standing support for the measure. Speaking on the sidelines of a prayer meeting in Bathinda, Bajwa said, “We in the Congress have always supported the Women’s Reservation Bill, even before others. Increase the number of seats as much as you want, but women must be given their rightful representation.”However, Bajwa also took a swipe at the Centre, alleging political motives behind the move. “Whatever work Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertakes is politically motivated. It is less about concern for women and more a way to win the next parliamentary elections,” he added.Echoing support, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal termed the proposal a welcome step. Speaking during the party’s ‘Punjab Bachao Rally’ at Talwandi Sabo on Saturday, she said, “It is a very good move and should be enacted as a law. Women play a key role in forming governments. They deserve 50 per cent representation; even 33 per cent is a beginning.”