New Delhi: Shabana Azmi, an activist Parliamentarian who has been in the forefront of championing the women's reservation in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, feels the present legislation cannot be passed and an alternative has to be considered.

"I think the Bill in its present form cannot be passed. One has to be realistic and look at an alternative proposal," she said in an interview as she prepares for the life after expiry of her Rajya Sabha term later in August.

"Women's reservation is not a magic wand with which all problems of women will disappear. What it will do is to give women the right to participate in the decision making process.

"I believe when a critical mass of women get empowered politically, they will transform the very notion of power so that it becomes more about sharing rather than the powerful oppressing the powerless."

She said the proposal for dual membership as a way out of the present problem would be welcome if it is implemented in 100 per cent of the seats so that women get equal representation.

"Perhaps, the answer lies in making it legally binding for all political parties to give 33 per cent seats to women as a constitutional amendment," she said.

From Bollywood to social activism to the Parliament, it has been an enriching journey for Shabana, who has now been approached by more than one party to play an active role in politics.

On being asked whether she intended to enter active politics, Azmi said, "I have not made up my mind. I have been approached by more than one party."

However, the actress who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha refused to divulge the names of the parties, which had approached her.

On her tenure as an MP in Rajya Sabha, she said, "I think it was a privilege for me. I was able to witness first hand the vibrancy of Indian Democracy. What I realised first of all is that there is plurality of contesting voices that need to be accommodated in national interest. To be able to do this without fear is the hall mark of a Democracy, and in this context India does itself proud."

Azmi, who found her stint in the Rajya Sabha perhaps the most educative of all her experiences said, "It is in this House that I learned how it is possible to shout on top of your voice without any bitterness spilling over into your personal lives – that it is desirable to remain civil even when you hold bitterly opposite points of view."

On the shortcomings in the Rajya Sabha, the actress said, "I won't say there are shortcomings. But, what I think, there is a propensity to take up issues, which have a political volatility. I think what we need is more pre-occupation with subjects like health, education, and women's empowerment."

PTI