Opposition Unites Against Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha
In a significant political move, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has rallied the opposition against the Women's Reservation Bill introduced in the Lok Sabha. The opposition claims the bill is a flawed attempt at delimitation disguised as women's empowerment. With concerns over constitutional integrity, leaders from various parties have united to challenge the government's approach. As the debate unfolds, questions arise about the timing and intent behind these legislative changes. This article delves into the opposition's arguments and the implications for India's democratic framework.
| Apr 16, 2026, 13:54 IST
Opposition's Stand on Women's Reservation Bill
Following the introduction of constitutional amendment bills in the Lok Sabha, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated on Thursday that the opposition is collectively opposing the delimitation bill presented under the guise of women's reservation. Kharge expressed on X that the opposition will not allow Parliament to be swayed by the flawed delimitation bills disguised as women's reservation. We stand united and will vigorously confront this deceitful attack on our democracy.
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The amendment bills implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Act 2023 were introduced in the Lok Sabha today, while the opposition demanded a division vote against the government's move to present three bills without a voice vote. Amidst opposition protests, the government introduced three bills related to amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and delimitation on Thursday. 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'.
In favor of the 'Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026', 251 votes were cast, while 185 votes were against it. Earlier, leaders from Congress, the Samajwadi Party, DMK, and other opposition parties labeled the bills as 'unconstitutional' and questioned the timing of their introduction. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal criticized the three bills as an attack on India's federal structure, questioning the rationale behind introducing the bills at this time. He pointed out that both houses of Parliament had unanimously passed the Women's Reservation Bill in 2023, asking why the government did not implement it then.
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Venugopal targeted the government, suggesting that they are fearful of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He insisted that unconstitutional bills should be withdrawn. Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav questioned the urgency of the government in bringing forth these bills. Dharmendra Yadav from the Samajwadi Party expressed strong opposition to the three bills, stating that Parliament's responsibility is to safeguard the Constitution. He argued that the separation of delimitation from the census contradicts the spirit of the Constitution.