The Thulya Prathinithya Prasthanam (Equal Representation Movement) has written to senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, demanding that women be given one-third representation in the Cabinet and that a woman be appointed as Speaker in the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly. The letter, also sent to the party’s State leadership, was accompanied by a statement prepared with the support of cultural activists, backing the demand for equal representation.

The movement pointed out that of the 12 women candidates who contested from the UDF, nine emerged victorious, calling it a significant achievement. While noting that the overall representation of women in the Assembly is lower than in the previous term, the group urged the UDF to increase women’s presence in the Cabinet to at least one-third of the total ministers.

“We take immense pride that the current Assembly includes women MLAs with the necessary experience, expertise and leadership qualities to handle these responsibilities. Appointing a woman as Speaker would also set a strong democratic example,” the letter stated.

The movement also recalled that several Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, had assured Kerala ahead of the elections that the State could see a woman Chief Minister. It expressed disappointment that women are not being actively considered in the ongoing discussions for the Chief Minister’s post. “We had hoped that Kerala would set a historic example by appointing a woman Chief Minister,” the letter said, adding that fair representation should also extend to marginalised sections.

The movement expressed hope that the party leadership would take a progressive stand by ensuring gender-inclusive decisions in the formation of the new government, both in ministerial appointments and in the selection of the Speaker.