Prime Minister Modi Advocates for Women's Reservation Legislation
Prime Minister's Call for Unity on Women's Reservation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Guwahati, April 16: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged opposition parties to refrain from politicizing the upcoming women's reservation legislation, emphasizing its importance for the nation and its potential to enhance the democratic framework.
During a lively discussion in the Lok Sabha regarding the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, the Delimitation Bill, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, Modi called for a united front, stating that the legislation would serve the country rather than any individual political party.
“I urge all Members of Parliament to approach this matter without political bias. This is a decision that serves the national interest. Let’s seize this chance to increase women’s involvement in governance,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Modi underscored the importance of the Bill, asserting that women's reservation is crucial for India's future.
“We have a unique opportunity to redirect the political landscape of our nation and fortify democracy. This initiative will transform the ‘disha and dasha’ of our country,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also issued a warning, referencing historical political patterns.
“Those who have opposed women's reservation in the past have faced repercussions from the women of this nation in subsequent elections,” he noted.
In response to the Opposition's concerns regarding delimitation, Modi reassured that the process would be conducted impartially.
“No state will face injustice, whether from the east, west, north, or south,” he said, aiming to alleviate concerns of political favoritism.
The Lower House experienced vigorous debates as the bills were presented following a vote division.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend provisions related to women's reservation, was introduced with 251 votes in favor and 185 against.
Additionally, two significant legislations, the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, were also introduced to support the implementation of the proposed reservation in Union Territories like Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The voting process was marked by increased political activity, with the Opposition insisting on a formal division rather than the standard voice vote.
The Automatic Vote Recorder system was utilized, and vote slips were employed, with a total of 333 members participating in one round without any abstentions.
Earlier, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal officially introduced the bills, marking a significant advancement in the legislative process. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the voting results, which are pending verification.
The debate, lasting nearly 40 minutes before the bills were introduced, showcased stark divisions between the ruling and opposition parties, particularly regarding the connection between women's reservation, census, and delimitation.
While the government argued that these measures are vital for effective implementation in line with future demographic trends, the Opposition contended that this linkage could postpone the actual implementation of women's reservation.
Despite the political rifts, the Prime Minister highlighted the broader implications of the initiative.
“In the journey of India's development, this is a pivotal moment to ensure that half of our population is an equal participant in decision-making,” Modi concluded.