New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged all political parties to come forward and ensure 33 per cent representation for women in State Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister said women's leadership is essential for shaping the country's policies.

He highlighted the contribution of women representatives in Panchayats, Municipalities and Municipal Corporations and said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed in Parliament with the aim of strengthening women's representation in politics.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi, "My dear fellow citizens, today in Panchayats, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations, our women public representatives are guiding...