Opposition slams govt over women’s quota push, Mallikarjun Kharge questions ‘haste’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to leaders across party lines seeking support for an amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, triggering a sharp response from the opposition.
In his letter, the Prime Minister called the upcoming special session of Parliament a “historic opportunity” to strengthen democracy and urged MPs to back the legislation.
What the amendment seeks
The Women’s Reservation Bill, passed in 2023, provides for 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies.
The proposed amendment aims to delink its implementation from the 2027 Census and instead base it on the 2011 Census, potentially enabling the quota to come into effect before the 2029 general elections.
Kharge flags lack of clarity
Responding to the letter, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the government was seeking cooperation without sharing crucial details.
He pointed out that issues such as delimitation and other key aspects of the amendment remain unclear, making meaningful discussion difficult.
Kharge accused the Centre of rushing the process for electoral gains.
“The timing of the special sitting during ongoing state elections reinforces our belief that the government is hurrying implementation to gain political mileage rather than truly empower women,” he said.
Opposition demands wider consultation
The Congress leader also said the government’s claim of prior consultations with political parties was inaccurate.
He reiterated the opposition’s demand for an all-party meeting after April 29 to discuss the proposed constitutional changes, including delimitation, before proceeding further.
Govt pushes for early implementation
In his letter, Modi highlighted the unanimous support the Bill received in 2023 and stressed the need to implement it “in its true spirit.”
He said introducing women’s reservation before the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections would boost representation and strengthen democratic institutions.
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