Owaisi Critiques Proposed Constitutional Amendments for Women's Reservation

Asaduddin Owaisi has voiced strong opposition to the central government's proposed constitutional amendments concerning the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. He argues that these changes could jeopardize India's federal framework. During a special Lok Sabha session, he highlighted the potential negative impact of the bills aimed at increasing women's representation in politics. The government has introduced several bills, including the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which proposes significant changes to the women's reservation framework. Owaisi's remarks, along with concerns from various opposition leaders, raise critical questions about the implications of these legislative measures on the country's governance structure. Readers can explore the full details of this unfolding political debate.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 12:50 IST

Owaisi's Concerns Over Women's Reservation Bill

Asaduddin Owaisi has expressed strong criticism of the central government's proposed constitutional amendments related to the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Speaking during a special session of the Lok Sabha, the AIMIM leader warned that these bills could undermine India's federal structure. He firmly opposes the introduction of these legislative measures, citing a couplet by Sahir Ludhianvi that reflects on the mockery of love by the affluent.

The three-day special session of Parliament commenced with discussions on three amendment bills aimed at implementing laws passed in 2023, which provide for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Earlier this week, the government circulated a draft of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing changes to the women's reservation framework. This bill includes a provision to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850, incorporating representatives from both states and union territories.

Under this proposal, a maximum of 815 members will be directly elected from state constituencies, while up to 35 members from union territories will be elected through a method determined by Parliament. On Thursday, amidst opposition protests, the government introduced three bills related to amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and delimitation. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the 'Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026' and the 'Delimitation Bill, 2026', while Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the 'Union State Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026'.

The proposal for the 'Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026' received 251 votes in favor and 185 against. Prior to this, leaders from Congress, the Samajwadi Party, DMK, and other opposition parties labeled the bills as 'unconstitutional', questioning the timing of their introduction. KC Venugopal from Congress described the three bills as an attack on India's federal structure, raising concerns about the true intent behind bringing these bills forward at this time.