Government Introduces Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha
The central government has introduced the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, a pivotal legislative move during the special session of Parliament. Prime Minister Modi urged for unanimous support while addressing concerns from opposition leaders. The discussions have sparked a heated debate on the implications of the bill and the delimitation process. Key political figures, including Akhilesh Yadav and Amit Shah, have voiced their opinions, highlighting the contentious nature of the legislation. This article delves into the proceedings, reactions, and the historical significance of the proposed amendments.
| Apr 16, 2026, 18:48 IST
Introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill
The central government presented the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, marking a significant legislative move during the ongoing special session of Parliament. Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Union Minister of Law and Justice, initiated the debate by introducing the proposed Constitution (One Hundred Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026. He also introduced the Delimitation Bill, 2026, paving the way for discussions on implementing one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies.
Proceedings in the Lok Sabha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that there would be no changes in the delimitation ratio across the country. He urged all political parties in the Lok Sabha to unanimously pass the constitutional amendment bill related to the Women's Reservation Act, warning that those opposing it would face consequences in the long run. While discussing the Women’s Reservation Act, he emphasized that this issue should not be politicized and expressed readiness to credit opposition parties as well. Modi also stated that the delimitation process would not discriminate among states, regardless of their size or location.
Opposition's Response
Akhilesh Yadav, the president of the Samajwadi Party (SP), accused the BJP of attempting to use the Women's Reservation Bill as a political tool. During the discussion on the three bills related to women's reservation, he stated that while his party supports reservation for women, they oppose the BJP's tactics. He questioned the urgency of the BJP, suggesting that the party aims to delay the caste census and, consequently, the reservation process.
Claims and Counterclaims
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya accused the opposition of misleading the public regarding the amendments to the Women's Reservation Law, asserting that southern states would gain more seats post-delimitation. Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, criticized the constitutional amendment bill related to the Women's Reservation Act, claiming it contradicts women's rights, caste census, the Constitution, and the federal structure, alleging that the government is using delimitation as a political weapon.
Minister's Remarks
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in the Lok Sabha that the census process is ongoing and will include caste data. He also remarked that providing reservation based on religion for Muslims is unconstitutional. Shah made these comments in response to remarks from SP leaders Akhilesh Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav during the introduction of the three bills related to amendments in the Women's Reservation Act and delimitation.
Historic Legislation
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described the bill to amend the Women's Reservation Act as historic, asserting that the proposed delimitation would not harm any state and that each state's strength would remain intact. He called upon members to pass these bills unanimously, expressing pride and excitement about the day, stating, 'Today will be written in golden letters in parliamentary history.'
Rajya Sabha Proceedings
On Thursday, Nitin Naveen, the national president of the BJP, along with Union Minister Ramnath Thakur and senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, took the oath of office as 16 newly elected/re-elected members of the Rajya Sabha. The Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C.P. Radhakrishnan, administered the oath to these members representing Bihar, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana. The session also paid tribute to former member Mohsina Kidwai and playback singer Asha Bhosle, as mentioned by the Chairman at the start of the meeting.