Despite the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in 2023, political parties in India have fallen far short of fielding 33% women candidates in subsequent elections, according to a new analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
Key Findings from ADR Analysis
The ADR examined 39,789 candidates who contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 20 subsequent state and union territory assembly elections held after the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed. Only 4,073 (10.2%) were women.
Lok Sabha 2024
In the 2024 General Elections, out of 8,360 candidates, only 800 (9.6%) were women. Among 543 constituencies, 152 (28%) had no women candidates at all.
State Assembly Elections
Across 20 states and UTs, 31,429 candidates contested, of which only 3,273 (10.2%) were women. Odisha (2024) had the highest proportion at 13.9%, followed by Delhi (2025) at 13.7% and Puducherry (2026) at 13.6%. None exceeded 14%.
Arunachal Pradesh (2024) and Jammu & Kashmir (2024) recorded the lowest, with women constituting just 4.9% of candidates each.
Party Performance
No national party met the 33% benchmark. The BJP and Congress fielded women in the range of 13%–16%. Among state parties, Naam Tamilar Katchi (50%) and Biju Janata Dal (33%) achieved or exceeded the target in Lok Sabha polls.
In state elections, Congress fielded 33% women only in Sikkim. Naam Tamilar Katchi fielded 50% women in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. CPI(ML)(L) fielded 56% in West Bengal and 33% in Assam. Samajwadi Party fielded 40% in Rajasthan, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi 50% in Puducherry, and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party 50% in Delhi.
Analysis and Implications
The ADR report highlights a persistent gender gap in political representation, with the 33% reservation target remaining unmet. The findings underscore the need for stronger measures to enhance women's political participation in India.
