New Delhi, April 5 -- BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Saturday urged opposition parties to support the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act), saying they should not "back down" or make excuses on an issue concerning women's empowerment.

Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla said, "A special session of Parliament is being convened on April 16-18 to implement the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' at the earliest."

Expressing concern over political reactions, he added, "It is very sad that the government is taking a very important initiative and steps towards women's empowerment, but some political parties are arguing about it and distancing themselves from it."

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ...