New Delhi

Dinesh Sharma, Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Wednesday said women’s empowerment remains a top priority for the government and that the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament will significantly strengthen women’s participation in politics.

Speaking to ANI, Sharma said the policy will benefit women across democratic institutions, including the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

“Women empowerment is one of the top priorities of the current government. The way women’s reservation has been implemented in the parliamentary system, its direct benefits—whether in the state assembly, the Lok Sabha or any election—will help strengthen efforts to empower women. This is precisely the government’s intention,” he said.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Shashank Mani said he remains hopeful that discussions in Parliament will continue smoothly, noting that members from all sides were given an opportunity to speak during Tuesday’s proceedings.

“In yesterday’s discussion, everyone got a chance to speak. If the House is allowed to function, then the true language and hope of the republic come alive. We are still eager for discussion today,” Mani said.

On the other hand, several opposition MPs from the Indian National Congress staged a protest in the Parliament premises over the reported shortage of commercial LPG cylinders across the country amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the protest, where opposition leaders carried banners criticising the government.

Leaders of the INDIA alliance have demanded a discussion in Parliament on the alleged LPG shortage linked to disruptions in global energy supply.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also called for a detailed debate on the situation in West Asia, accusing the Centre of failing to address the issue adequately.

“The impact of the war has started to show. This government is running from its responsibilities,” Bhagat said.

Amid the ongoing energy supply disruptions triggered by the conflict in West Asia, the Union government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to prioritise domestic LPG supply.

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Under the new framework, higher allocations have been reserved for households, hospitals and essential services, while commercial distribution has been restricted in several regions.