Controversy Surrounds Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha
The recent passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha has led to significant political controversy. Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav accused the government of trying to erase historical achievements, while Prime Minister Modi called for opposition support. The bill aims to provide 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies, separating its implementation from census and delimitation processes. This legislative move has sparked heated discussions among various political factions, highlighting the ongoing tensions in Indian politics. Read on to explore the full implications of this bill and the reactions it has provoked.
Apr 17, 2026, 13:16 IST
Debate Over Women's Reservation Bill
Before the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav accused the central government of attempting to "erase history." He emphasized that the bill, which was passed in 2023, had received unanimous support. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, he stated, "A historic moment has been created. This law has already been passed with consensus. Why are they trying to erase that history?"
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Labeling the BJP-led government as the most corrupt and dishonest, the MP further stated that no government could be more corrupt than the current one. His comments came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the opposition to support amendments. Modi remarked that he did not wish to take credit for the law, stating, "Let it be passed. You take the credit. We will publish any picture you want at government expense."
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Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske also claimed on Thursday that opposition MPs were misleading the public regarding the amendments. He told a news agency that the opposition only aimed to confuse people, indicating their opposition to the Women's Reservation Bill. He urged the opposition to support this legislation. The Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which provides 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, was first passed in 2023. The previous bill linked its implementation to the 2026-2027 census and seat delimitation. However, the current amendments aim to separate these processes, ensuring that the 2029 Lok Sabha elections occur with reserved seats.