Prime Minister Modi Advocates for Women's Reservation Act Implementation Ahead of 2029 Elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the immediate implementation of the Women's Reservation Act, aiming for its application in the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. In a letter to parliamentary leaders, he urged unity in passing amendments to the law. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns about discussing the women's quota law without clarity on delimitation and proposed an all-party meeting after the state elections. The Women's Reservation Act seeks to reserve 33% of Lok Sabha seats for women, but its enforcement hinges on the completion of the delimitation process. This article delves into the political dynamics surrounding this significant legislative push.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 12, 2026, 12:10 IST

Push for Women's Reservation Act

A file image of Indian PM Narendra Modi (Photo:@Dhruv_Axom)

New Delhi, Apr 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the urgent need to implement the Women's Reservation Act effectively, aiming for its application in the upcoming 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

In a letter addressed to the leaders of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Modi urged all members to unite in support of the amendments to the women's reservation legislation, formally known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, ahead of the Parliament's special three-day session.

"After thorough discussions, we have concluded that the time is ripe to enforce the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam across the nation. It is crucial that the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are held with women's reservation in effect," Modi stated in his correspondence dated April 11.

In response, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed to Modi that meaningful dialogue regarding the women's quota law would be unattainable without clarity on delimitation and other related issues. He proposed that an all-party meeting be convened after the current state elections conclude on April 29.

Kharge's letter indicated that the timing of the Parliament's special session during state elections suggests the government is rushing the women's reservation law for political advantage.

"If the special session aims to 'strengthen our democracy' and 'move forward together,' as you mentioned in your letter, I recommend that the government organize an all-party meeting post-April 29 to discuss the delimitation matter linked to the amendment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023," Kharge wrote.

This correspondence from Kharge was a reply to Modi's invitation for a special parliamentary discussion on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam starting April 16.

The Budget Session of Parliament has been extended, with a special three-day sitting scheduled from April 16 to 18.

The Women's Reservation Act aims to increase the Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 seats specifically reserved for women.

This provision for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was introduced through a constitutional amendment in 2023.

However, the women's quota would only take effect after the delimitation process based on the 2027 Census is completed, meaning it would not be enforceable before 2034 under the current law.

To facilitate its implementation in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam are necessary, prompting the government to hold a special session to pass these changes.