As the special session of Parliament approaches on April 16 to deliberate on modifications to the women’s reservation Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to floor leaders of various political parties to solicit their backing and cooperation. According to sources, this initiative could serve as a unifying point for the Opposition.
Modi characterized this session as a chance to further fortify Indian democracy, asserting that the constitutional amendment would fulfill a significant obligation to the women of the nation.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which allocates one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies to women, was enacted in September 2023. However, its implementation is contingent upon the completion of delimitation based on the 2027 Census, meaning it would not take effect until 2034. To enable its application in the 2029 elections, amendments to the Act are necessary.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will require support from Opposition parties to achieve the two-thirds majority essential for passing the constitutional amendment.
In his letter, the Prime Minister expressed, “This special sitting represents an opportunity to further enhance our democracy. It is also a time to reaffirm our shared commitment to progress together and to include everyone.” He emphasized that for India to realize its aspiration of becoming a developed nation, it is vital for women to take on a more significant and active role.
“Women constitute nearly half of our population, and this is a pivotal step towards increasing their involvement in the political arena,” he stated, describing it as “a crucial and motivating milestone” in the journey of India’s Parliament.
“After thorough discussions, we have concluded that the moment has arrived to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam genuinely across the nation. It is crucial that the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections occur with women’s reservation in effect,” he noted. “This is a moment that transcends any single party or individual. It is a time to show our responsibility towards women and future generations,” he added.
In response to the Prime Minister’s correspondence, Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, pointed out that it has been 30 months since the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was enacted, and the special session was convened “without consulting” the Opposition. He also highlighted that the government has not provided any information regarding delimitation. “You will understand that without details on delimitation and other related matters, it would be impossible to engage in meaningful discussions about this historic law,” he remarked in his letter.
During the Bill’s passage, Kharge indicated that Congress had pushed for the law to be enforced immediately. He noted that while the Prime Minister claimed broad consensus existed for its prompt implementation, it has not been enacted.
Kharge mentioned that the Opposition has requested the government to hold an all-party meeting to discuss delimitation issues after the elections conclude on April 29, accusing the government of “rushing the Bill’s implementation for political gain rather than genuinely empowering women.”
In a reply to Kharge, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his respectful disagreement, stating that the promises made to women in India “cannot be postponed indefinitely.” He added that as the time to fully deliver on the Act approaches, “hesitation and questions arise.”
“For decades, the idea of women’s reservation was merely a promise. This Government has transformed it into reality. Now, the necessary amendments linked to delimitation are essential to ensure our #NariShakti receives rightful representation before 2029, instead of delaying it further,” he stated on X.
Rijiju emphasized that he has actively reached out, communicated, and engaged with leaders from various parties. “Dialogue has occurred and continues. However, at some point, intentions must be translated into action. Delaying implementation under the pretext of process is simply delaying justice for millions of women,” he remarked. He asserted that this is “not about politics” but about “fulfilling our promise to the daughters of India.”
CPI(M) MP John Brittas expressed to The Indian Express that the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats by 50% “undermines the federal balance and diversity that fortifies our democracy,” as northern states would gain 200 additional seats, while southern states would only receive 65. “The hastily arranged special sitting and bundled amendments for substantial seat expansion raise significant concerns. Two crucial states—West Bengal and Tamil Nadu—are in the midst of Assembly elections. We formally requested the government to postpone until these elections are completed,” Brittas stated.
Sources revealed to The Indian Express that there is a general consensus among non-Congress opposition parties that Congress will lead on this matter. Key leaders from the INDIA coalition are expected to participate in a meeting in Delhi on April 15, which will be chaired by Kharge.
P. Sandosh Kumar, the CPI’s floor leader in the Rajya Sabha, mentioned to The Indian Express that the Prime Minister’s letter was filled with political rhetoric and lacked specifics regarding delimitation. “The planned delimitation poses risks for southern states, and these issues must be addressed,” he asserted.
