Parliament.jpgParliament Special Session Live Updates: The Constitutional (131st Amendment) Bill 2026 to advance 33-% women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies has failed to get the required two-thirds majority. 298 members voted for the Bill and 230 against it.
The voting took place on Friday evening after a marathon two-day debate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah warned the opposition that the women of the country would watch the outcome closely. The Opposition accused the government of trying to redraw the electoral map.
The three major bills that went up for voting were the following. (After the first one was defeated, the other two became infructuous)
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026
The Delimitation Bill, 2026
The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, with Speaker Om Birla announcing the outcome of the vote. Reacting to the result, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "The results on this significant and historic bill are very unfortunate… you have lost an opportunity." Following the proceedings, the House was adjourned and will reconvene on Saturday at 11 am.
Voting on women's quota bills to begin shortly
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Shah accused the Congress of reversing its stand on the women’s reservation Bill, noting that it was passed unanimously in 2023. He alleged that the party is now hesitating with “kintu-parantu” arguments, claiming it fears losing political ground as women voters strongly support PM Modi. Wherever you go for votes, you will have to face the ire of women, and be unable to find a way out," Shah warned. "You are throwing bones in the form of doubts in this Yagya of women’s reservation; they will never forgive you," concluded Shah.
Amit Shah on Friday asserted in the Lok Sabha that the government remains firmly committed to implementing women’s reservation, regardless of opposition. Shah said the Centre is prepared to face any protest or disagreement to ensure the bill is passed. "I was under the impression that there would be no protest today since a bill is coming for the mothers and sisters of this country, but that did not happen," he added.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition of historically opposing OBC interests and now obstructing women’s reservation. He said that from 1947 to 2014, they resisted OBC empowerment, and are now taking a similar stance on women’s quota. "For three decades, a Bill that used to come for discussion and then get rejected, we brought it again. It is again being stalled on the basis kintu, parantu, agar, magar..." Shah noted.
Amit Shah on Friday launched an attack on the Congress during the Lok Sabha session, alleging that the party had opposed caste census exercises in both 1951 and 1971. Streessing on the BJP’s outreach to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Shah said the Congress had never produced an OBC Prime Minister, while the BJP elevated Narendra Modi, who comes from an extremely backward caste, to the top post. He added, "In the Modi govt, 27 ministers come from the OBC; it gave the OBC Commission constitutional recognition. For them (Congress), winning elections is the priority; for us, the nation and its people."
Home Minister Amit Shah also said, "Some members spread another doubt; that Muslim women should also get a reservation. The Constitution does not accept reservations based on religion. There are two reasons for this: the eligibility for reservation cannot be gained; it is by birth.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the Lok Sabha debate on the women’s reservation Bill, warned opposition parties against obstructing the legislation. He said that while political compulsions may influence voting decisions, women across the country are closely observing who stands in the way of their representation. "The women of this country are also watching who are the obstruction to women's reservation for them," Shah added.
Amit Shah stated that "I want to clarify that Narendra Modi ji’s cabinet decision regarding the census is of a caste census. Since this Bill has come, the opposition has started spreading misinformation. The first phase of the caste census is already ongoing. We should rise above an attempt to fragment this country over a north-south narrative. They want to create a north south divide: we will not let that happen. Whoever takes oath here, does it in the name of the nation and for the sake of its sovereignty, says Amit shah in Lok Sabha.
Amit Shah further stated that demands for a caste census gained momentum in 2024, prompting consultations with various stakeholders. Following these discussions, the government decided in 2025 to proceed with a caste-based enumeration, confirming that the upcoming Census will include a dedicated caste column.
Amit Shah also stated that the delay in conducting the Census was due to the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that the exercise was originally scheduled for 2021. He added that the country required time to recover after the crisis.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah stressed the urgency of implementing 33% reservation for women, noting that it is essential given that women constitute nearly half of the country’s population. He pointed out the rise in India’s population from 56.79 crore in 1976 to 140 crore today and said this makes it imperative to act now. Shah also assured that if the strength of the House is increased, the government will ensure a corresponding expansion in the duration of parliamentary sessions to maintain effective functioning.
"In Tamil Nadu, there are 39 seats…if we implement reservation, 13 seats will be reserved for women," Shah added.
Addressing the Lok Sabha during the debate on the women’s reservation Bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah replied that those resisting delimitation are effectively opposing the increase in seats reserved for SC and ST communities. Shah also said that ensuring a balanced and representative democratic structure has been entrusted to it, and decisions around delimitation are part of that mandate.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in the Lok Sabha, "123 Members spoke in the debate on women’s reservation; 56 are women; this will likely be a record." He further added, "Everyone has said that they are in favour of women’s reservation but not the Constitutional amendment."
During BJP leader Nishikant Dubey's speech, in which he accused Congress leaders of historically opposing a caste census, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav intervened to seek clarity on when the caste census would be conducted and whether OBC women would be included in the women’s reservation law. Responding to the queries, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said detailed answers would be provided by Home Minister Amit Shah during his reply in the Lok Sabha. As Dubey continued his address, Yadav took a swipe, saying, “Do not flip too many pages of the history book.”
BJP leader Nishikant Dubey, speaking in the Lok Sabha, asserted that the party believes in equality across all sections of society, stating that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, forward classes and backward classes are all treated the same. He also said that the party works for the welfare of every group without discrimination.
Gandhi said that a deal was signed with the US, which would not have been signed by any Prime Minister unless he was compromised.
“What you are attempting is snatching the constitutional rights of the people of India. We will not allow it and defeat the Bill here,” Gandhi said. Asserting that he knew more than he was saying, Gandhi said that the PM had low energy when he spoke on Thursday, the 16th of April. “He was not able to engage because trying to pass this Bill was a mistake. It was a panic reaction. The number 16 surprised me. If anyone has understood, please message me,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi: "What you're attempting is taking away the Constitutional right and snatching that from the people of India. We are not going to allow you. We will see -- we will defeat that Bill right here, in the next half-an-hour, 45 minutes."
"There is a central fundamental confusion in the mind of the BJP....You aren't the people of India, you aren't the armed forces, stop hiding like cowards": Rahul to BJP
Speaker Om Birla urges MPs to use Parliamentary language amid uproar.
Rijiju said that Gandhi had mocked Operation Sindoor and called it “magic”. He added that this is tantamount to mocking the country. Rijiju requested the Speaker to expunge the references from the proceedings, wondering what young Congress leaders would learn from the LoP. Speaker Om Birla said he has expunged the references from the proceedings.
Rahul Gandhi: "The BJP knew that this Bill actually cannot be passed....this was a panic reaction, because the PM at any cost needed to send two messages: one, he needed to change the electoral map of India; two, he needed to send the meassage again -- that he is pro-women."
"Why he is doing that, I will leave it to your imagination. But powers that be know exactly why he is doing it. The truth is the magician has been caught, the magician of Balakot, the magician of demonitisation, the magician of Sindoor, has suddenly got caught."
"Real strength lies in the darkness...strength always hides, it never shows itself," says Rahul Gandhi, casts light on "partnership" between the "magician" and the businessman (Rahul Gandhi recalls lesson from Indira Gandhi). Comments stir uproar in Parliament.
Gandhi said that he would assure people across the country that the opposition would not allow the government to touch their representation in the Union of India. He recalled that both Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee understood the dangers and did not allow this – meaning delimitation – to happen.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju intervened saying that when the Congress ruled the country for 60 years, why did it not provide OBC reservation in legislatures. He charged that Rajiv Gandhi had opposed OBC reservation.
“You call them Hindus and you do not give them any space in this country,” Gandhi said, referring to OBCs and Dalits.
Rahul Gandhi said the government was trying to “rejig” the political map as it did in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, adding that it was telling southern states that in order to stay in power, the BJP would take away their representation. Gandhi added that this was an “anti-national” act and the opposition would not allow it.
"I want to assure southern, northeastern, smaller states that we will not allow govt to touch your representation in Union of India."
Gandhi said there was “brutal” treatment of OBCs, Dalits and minorities in society, saying everyone knows this truth. “They are trying to avoid giving representation to my OBC brothers and sisters and take away power from them. Manuvad over Sanvidhan. Amit Shah ji said that the caste census has begun, and said houses don’t have castes. The question is whether the caste census will be used for representation in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas,” he said, charging that the government wanted not to do this.
"Gandhi said that the first truth was this isn’t a women’s Bill, adding that there was a women’s Bill that was passed in this House in 2023. The BJP said it would be implemented in 10 years, he said. Gandhi asserted that this was a Bill to change the electoral map of India hiding behind women. Bring that Bill right now and the opposition will pass it right away, Gandhi asserted.": Rahul Gandhi
“Everyone here has been influenced by women – mothers, sisters, wives, as Rijiju ji said. The Prime Minister and myself don’t have wife issues. My sister did yesterday what I have never been able to do – making Mr. Amit Shah smile”: Rahul Gandhi.
"Women are a central force, driving force in our national imagination, in our national perspective": Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi
Congress Leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has begun addressing the Lok Sabha on delimitation, women's quota Bills.
"By bringing women into the core of our legislative system, we are strengthening the very foundation of our democracy": JD(S) H D Kumaraswamy
ASP (KR) MP Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan called for increasing women’s reservation to 51%, adding that issues related to women’s safety must be addressed first. “How can we protect women’s rights if women aren’t safe?”
After speaking in the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi said, "Currently, a discussion is underway in Parliament on amending the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The debate continued until 1 a.m. last night as well."
"Logical responses have been provided to dispel the misconceptions that were spread. Every apprehension has been addressed. The information that was lacking has also been provided to every member. Any issue that might have caused opposition in anyone's mind has also been resolved. For four decades, a great deal of politics has been played on the issue of women's reservation in the country. Now is the time that half the country's population must certainly receive its rights."
"Even after so many decades of independence, it is not right that Indian women have such minimal representation in the decision-making process. In just a short while, voting will take place in the Lok Sabha. I urge all political parties... I appeal..."
"...please do not do anything that might hurt the sentiments of Nari Shakti. The eyes of the country's millions of women are upon us all, upon our intentions, upon our decisions. Please support the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam."
संसद में इस समय नारीशक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन पर चर्चा चल रही है। कल रात भी एक बजे तक चर्चा चली है।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2026
जो भ्रम फैलाए गए, उनको दूर करने के लिए तर्कबद्ध जवाब दिया गया है। हर आशंका का समाधान किया गया है। जिन जानकारियों का अभाव था, वो जानकारियां भी हर सदस्य को दी गई हैं। किसी के मन…
Congress MP Hibi Eden: "States that invested in education, healthcare and women's empowerment reduced population growth. Those states...are losing representation. What are we telling India -- that progress will cost you? That progress will cost power?"
"Even Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji understood this danger. That is why the government understood this danger. That is why the government extended the freeze on delimitation in 2021. So the states that invested in human development won't be penalised politically."
"Delimitation agenda masked as the women's reservation Bill is the loudest political statement by the BJP and the Modi government that you have already lost the 2029 elections. You cannot win the game, so you are just trying to change the rules.": Congress MP Hibi Eden.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav today said the government's claims of ensuring women's empowerment through delimitation 'is a facade', comparing the Centre to the wolf who deceived Little Red Riding Hood dressed as her grandmother in the classic fairy tale. He alleged that the Centre is trying to strengthen itself through delimitation.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav on Friday accused the government of misrepresenting the Opposition’s position on the Women’s Reservation law, asserting in the Lok Sabha that Opposition parties had in fact ensured the passage of the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam Bill in 2023.
Speaking during the discussion in Parliament, Yadav said it was incorrect to claim that the Opposition was opposing the legislation providing reservation for women in Parliament and state Assemblies.
“The government is misrepresenting that the Opposition is opposing the Bill. It was the Opposition that ensured the passage of the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam in 2023,” she said.
Yadav alleged that the government lacked genuine commitment to women’s empowerment, arguing that key steps required for implementing the law had not been taken.
“If the government truly wanted women’s empowerment, the Census would have been conducted by now and women would already have got their rights,” she said
"You have brought this amendment because you see your vote share slipping": SP MP Dimple Yadav
"We demand that equal representation be given to SC, ST, OBC and women from minorities": SP MP Dimple Yadav
"Why wasn’t the census conducted over the last 2.5 years? Had this happened, the women’s reservation would have been implemented…why is the government showing so much haste?…SP believes that this is because the government wants to use the delimitation exercise as a weapon": SP MP Dimple Yadav
"Whether it's 543 seats or 850 seats, the TDP is in support of women's reservation (Bill)," Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu
"We oppose the linking (of women's reservation) with delimitation…why have you brought this (for) bargaining? The Bill empowers the women in text but the executive in structure": TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is holding a meeting with key ministers and BJP president Nitin Nabin ahead of the crucial voting for Bills on women's reservation and delimitation at 4 pm.
"We are Kali, Durga bhakt. You are only Jai Shri Ram. You don't even take Sita's name. We say Jai Siya Ram."
"Reserve 50% seats in ministries. Even PM post an be reserved by rotation. BJP will not come back to power in 2029. Speaker's post can also be reserved for women - interesting bits."
Kalyan Banerjee says delimitation is “a political gimmick, nothing more than.”
"If seats are increasing by 50 per cent and 33 per cent seats will be reserved for women. Where is the issue in that? Whether its 2011 census or 2026 (sic) census."
"Regarding women's reservation, our party and our leader (Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy) has always advocated empowering of women. So, we welcome the women's reservation (bill) in any form, any time."
"Delimitation should be a nation-building process, not a tool to crush the Opposition."
"I don't know what will happen if 850 members are in the House."
As Tharoor raised questions of efficiency of the House if members are increased, Speaker Om Birla said that if he continues, time will be given to all members.
Shashi Tharoor cites European method of degressive proportionality for delimitation -- where larger, more populous federal units have more representatives, but smaller units are over-represented per capita to strike a balance.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor starts speaking in LS: "We must be candid about what the implications of the delimitation are... Delimitation requires deliberation. There are three major faultlines: the balance between small and big and big states. Then, the balance between states like TN and Kerala which have implemented national golas of population goals. And states in the north which have not. In delimitation, states which have failed to control population will be rewarded with greater political weight. We must ask if this is the message we want to send... Third, the balance between the states that have been engines of our econonomy and that those that are net recipients of central funds."
"What happens to cooperative federalism. You have proposed delimitation with the same haste that you did demonetisation... Unfortunately, we know what damage it did. Delimitation will turn out to be political demonetisation. Don't do it"
"A black flag is a sign of protest...we shall not give up...a blue flag is the colou is the colour that Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar chose for his party flag....the same blue colour you dismissed that the man who taught us we should educate, agitate and organise," Kanimozhi on MK Stalin waving the black flag on Thursday.
"This is not federalism but only convenient politics... The states under our Constitution do not depend on the Centre for its legislation... This government doesn't recognize the rights of the states. It simply thinks we are here to serve our masters in the Delhi as per the diktats," says Kanimozhi.
Kanimozhi Karunanidhi proposes rotational reservation, delinking from delimitation.
"I want to ask the Home Minister why can't you give reservation in the existing 543 members... The women of this country have been starved for political power."
"Collective bargaining power of the Southern states (in Parliament) will be reduced"
"Tying women's reservation to delimitation is a trap... The BJP is using the women as a human shield. The women of Tamil Nadu who have the highest literacy rate... They will not allow their rights to be hijacked," says Kanimozhi.
"You can't wait for two weeks and you want us to believe that you care for women's rights. This is an electoral escape for the government," says Kanimozhi.
"On the delay of census, she says that this is the only government that can turn its failure to its advantage," says Kanimozhi
"The delimitation commission will be chaired by a Supreme Court who will be appointed by the government, without any consultations with the CJI without any confirmation from Parliament... The HM said that 50 per cent increase will happen in seats... What happens if the delimitation commission doesn't listen to the home minister... Where will we go for justice? Where is our guarantee?" says Kanimozhi
"The latest available census is 2011. The Home Minister told us yesterday that TN will have 59 seats after delimitation... You government thinks what it needs is what the nation needs and deserved," says Kanimozhi Karunanidhi speaks in the Lok Sabha.
All Members of Parliament from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) are wearing black in protest against notification of the bill women's reservation.
On the Women's Reservation Bill, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "This is a process. We are currently introducing the law for amendment. The older law wasn't implemented, which is why the commencement notification was issued. This is a process. Let's not make the process an issue." (ANI)
"What is the point in debate when government has notified 2023 women's quota law," asks DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.
Lok Sabha proceedings have begun on a stormy note. Congress MP KC Venugopal questions the notification issued late on Thursday night for Women’s Reservation Act 2023.
Venugopal asks: “Our question is that without notifying the Act, how can the minister move amendments to the Bill.”
Other MPs joined the chorus seeking an answer from Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghawal.
DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi raises similar questions, while other Opposition members seeks answers from minister.
Harivansh Narayan Singh has been chosen as the deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha after voice vote in the House.
Congress speakers in Lok Sabha today:
(Inputs from Asad Rehman)
The Congress high command has instructed its senior MPs to ensure presence of all MPs during voting at 4 pm.
Opposition parties met at Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge's office in Parliament complex to discuss the floor strategy for the day in Parliament. (Source: INC)
Congress sources say that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to speak around 3 pm today during the debate on the three Bills linked to delimitation and women's reservation.
(Inputs from Asad Rehman)
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday termed Congress and Samajwadi Party as "chameleons" after they flagged that the delimitation and women's reservation based on 2011 census numbers would not include the OBCs.
Alleging neglect towards the Bahujan communities, Mayawati stated that the Congress did not implement the reservation for the OBC communities based on the Mandal Commission Report, and the SP shelved the Backward Classes Commission Report in the state.
She claimed that if Congress were in power today, even it would have gone ahead with the 2011 census for operationalising the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. (ANI)
The INDIA bloc MPs are scheduled to hold a meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's chamber in Parliament at 10 am on Friday to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House.
This comes as Lok Sabha today is set to continue discussion and vote on the passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and State Assemblies, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 extending it to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, and the Delimitation Bill, which is set to increase and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies, increasing them up to 850. (ANI)
Congress MP Mallu Ravi said his party will support the Women's Reservation Bill only if it is delinked from the proposed Delimitation Bill.
Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Ravi said the Women's Reservation Bill was first passed in the Rajya Sabha during the tenure of Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh.
He added that the bill was the "brainchild of the Congress Party" and accused the BJP of trying to claim credit. (ANI)
West Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Friday reiterated Narendra Modi's statement criticising those opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill, saying that "Women and the country will not forgive those who oppose this Bill."
BJP candidate from Kharagpur Sadar said that the women in the party will hold a rally in Kharagpur to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides for 33 per cent reservation to women legislators.
Earlier, PM Modi said in the Parliament: “Naari Shakti will be watching our decision (nirnay), and more than that our intent (neeyat). They will never forgive bad intentions on our part." (ANI)
Congress leader Karti Chidambaram on Friday took a jibe at the Central government over the proposed Delimitation Bill, saying it is akin to a "sales pitch" of an insurance sales match, with the oral assurances not matching the "fine print" of the Bill.
"The delimitation "sales pitch" by the government is like that of an insurance salesman, they say one thing & the fine print says something else," Karti Chidambaram wrote on X. (ANI)
BJP MLA from Bihar, Shreyasi Singh, said, "Today is a historic day... because of PM Modi's efforts, the Women's Reservation Bill is going to become a reality. The way we have seen the increase in women's participation in politics, whether it is at the polling booth or as a party worker, today we are talking about their representation. We welcome this and thank PM Modi and his government for this."
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is poised to move for the passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha today.
In further consideration of the motion moved by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on 16th April, the following bills will be moved in the Lok Sabha to get passed.
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, pic.twitter.com/4aVROKnCK4
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut supported the Women's Reservation Bill and said that female representation is low, citing Himachal as an example. “Whenever we try to do something, they say we are destroying democracy,” she stated.
She also criticised the opposition, particularly Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, for alleging threats to democracy and accused them of misleading the public. Ranaut also praised PM Narendra Modi saying, “No one is a bigger feminist than Prime Minister. He is the flagbearer for feminism.”
"In Karnataka, of the current strength of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, there are 28 seats, which is about 5.15 per cent of the total representation. After the passage of this bill and the Constitutional Amendment, Karnataka’s seats will increase from 28 to 42. In a House of 816 members, its share will be around 5.14 per cent. So, there will be no real loss to Karnataka,” Amit Shah says in Parliament.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "A narrative is being created and confusion is being spread that these three bills, the Constitutional Amendment Bill and the two related laws on delimitation and changes in election procedures, will reduce the representation of southern states in the Lok Sabha and cause them significant loss."
During his address in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament is likely to increase from 39 to 59 seats following delimitation.
Not a word in Constitution amendment bill on the process for increasing number of seats in Lok Sabha, says Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi in Lok Sabha.
Speaking in Lok Sabha on women's reservation and delimitation, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "The provision of 33 per cent reservation in panchayats and municipalities was first introduced in the House by the Indian National Congress government under the leadership of the late Rajiv Gandhi."
"Congress supports women's reservation but this debate is not on that; the bills smell of politics," says party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra begins her address in the Parliament by training her guns on PM Modi post his speech in the Lok Sabha.
She says, "The prime minister gave incomplete information on the women's quota Bill. He didn't reveal who opposed the Bill."
Participating in the debate on the three Bills to advance the implementation of women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies to 2029, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday cautioned the Opposition that women were watching all members and would not forget “ill intentions” aimed at stalling women’s quota. “Naari Shakti will be watching our decision (nirnay), and more than that, our intent (neeyat). They will never forgive bad intentions on our part,” he said. The PM underlined that none who has taken oath on the Constitution should see the country in fragments; that it has to be seen as a nation, in what was seen as a tacit dig at the DMK and some other parties that have framed the debate in the North-South binary. The PM said he was willing to offer a guarantee and a promise that the proportionate share of states in the Lok Sabha would not change after its expansion, as sought by the Bills, and that he was also willing to use “a good word in Tamil”, if need be.... Read Here
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP ET Mohammed Basheer on Thursday supported Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha but opposed its linkage with the proposed Delimitation exercise, accusing the government of attempting to delay its implementation. Basheer alleged that the government was creating an “escape route” to avoid rolling out the quota, while seeking political mileage through the Constitutional Amendment Bill. He criticised the Centre for bypassing proper legislative procedure on a matter with far-reaching consequences and questioned the rationale behind tying women’s reservation to delimitation, asking what logic justified the move.
Congress leader KC Venugopal opposed the Bills in the Lok Sabha, accusing the government of prioritising electoral gains over democratic principles. He argued that the proposed framework undermines the federal structure by disadvantaging certain states for political benefit. Stressing that the Bill, in its current form, is unacceptable, Venugopal called for its withdrawal and urged the government to convene an all-party meeting to build consensus and move forward collectively.
Venugopal ends his intervention opposing the Bills in Lok Sabha.
KC Venugopal said, "You want to win 2029, and the only way for that is delimitation. I think you should withdraw this Bill, come with a concrete idea, we will give suggestions at the all-party meeting. Then, pass the Bill unanimously. Do not think you can fool everyone, including cheating the women of this country.
KC Venugopal in the Lok Sabha session stated, "We, the Congress party gave the first woman Prime Minister of the country and first woman speaker of Lok Sabha. Our woman Prime Minister was not like the current Prime Minister, she was a brave PM who never surrendered to the US."
We agree that during our time, the Women Reservation’s Bill only passed one House, but what did you do in nine years. Who delayed it? Now, after nine years, they brought the 2023 Bill, after that as well, they did not implement it. You are making making this Bill a weapon to destroy the democracy of this country.
Otherwise we are giving a blank cheque, implement it now, and take credit
Congress leader KC Venugopal in Lok Sabha session criticised the Centre over the implementation of the women’s reservation law, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of deliberately sidestepping concerns.
He pointed out that despite a lengthy speech in Parliament, the Prime Minister did not address the issue of delimitation, which the Opposition has repeatedly raised.
Venugopal said the women’s reservation Bill was already passed in 2023 yet no concrete steps have been taken in the three years since.
He questioned the government’s intent, arguing that if there was a genuine commitment, the quota could have been implemented in the 2024 elections itself. Dismissing the Prime Minister’s remarks as political theatrics, he added that the Opposition is ready to support immediate implementation under the existing parliamentary framework, and accused the government of using procedural conditions like census and delimitation to delay the rollout.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant stated concerns over the proposed Delimitation Commission while speaking on the Women’s Reservation Bill on Thursday. He questioned in Lok Sabha that the connection between women’s reservation and the delimitation process, pointing out that the Commission would have the authority to determine its own procedures. Sawant noted that the provisions of the proposed Delimitation Bill are similar to those of the Commission established in 2002. He also criticised the timing of the discussion, saying that raising the issue during elections in five states risks turning it into a political matter.
PM Modi called upon members to pass the draft law unanimously, adding that the Bills should not be weighed on a political balance, as half the population of the country had a right to be in Parliament.
He said that the strength of the House would be increased so that no one suffers a loss. He said that the government had thought about it earlier and the new Parliament was more spacious to accommodate more members.
With this, the prime minister concludes his Parliament address.
The prime minister said he had seen women’s leadership at the grassroots as Chief Minister, and their commitment accelerated progress. “A sensitivity will be infused here. The Parliament will be enriched,” he said. “There is no dearth of experienced and capable women in the country.”
“As the mother of democracy, this is India’s cultural commitment,” the prime minister said.
"Some people here think there is some political greed of Modi involved in this… If you oppose it, it is natural that I will gain politically, but if we all come together, none will benefit in particular. We don’t want credit. You pass it, and I will issue an advertisement using public money publishing all your photos. I am offering you a blank cheque of credit," PM Modi asserted.
“Today we don’t have the courage to deny it openly now, so technical points and excuses are being sought out. But you can’t deceive women now. You have stalled it for three decades but achieved nothing. So, do it now,” PM Modi said.
The prime minister said that we must not delude ourselves into thinking we are "giving something" to the women of our country, it is their right.
“We have denied it for decades and we should liberate ourselves from that,” PM Modi added.
“None has given us the right to sit here and see the country in fragments. We have taken an oath and have to see ourselves as a nation… But in view of the frenzy being whipped up for votes, I say with responsibility that this decision will not discriminate against anyone or do injustice to anyone. The proportion of seats will not change; the increase will be in the same proportion… If you want a guarantee or a promise, I will say so. If there is some good word in Tamil, I will use it. When the intention is good, we do not need to play with words,” PM Modi said.
How long do we want to stall this, PM Modi asked in Parliament, underlining that everyone wanted early implementation in 2023. But, he said, "2024 was too close to implement it, adding that it is the need of the hour not to delay it any longer now."
"Naari Shakti will be watching our decision (nirnay), and more than that our intent (neeyat). They will never forgive bad intentions on our part," PM Modi said in Parliament.
PM Modi lauded the achievements of Indian women, and said that their inclusion would improve the capability of the country. He requested the opposition to see it as a matter of national interest, not as a political move.
If we all move forward together, this decision will not go in favour of any one party, but in favour of country's democracy, the prime minister added.
Addressing the Parliament, PM Modi says, “They give reservation in Panchayats, as they don’t fear that their own position will go. That is what has been discussed in the past. In the last 25-30 years, a political consciousness has emerged among sisters who have been elected in Panchayats. They are vocal now… They are agitated. They say you give us sweeping jobs, but we want to be part of decision-making."
Those who oppose this will have to pay a price for a long time… We have to consider the political leadership of women at the grassroots level, PM Modi added.
No party said it disagrees with this move in principle, PM Modi said, adding that they are just taking a political direction.
He said that women never forgave those parties that opposed this move. “This did not happen in 2024 because the Bill was passed unanimously. Everyone was together at that time. Even today, it will not help any one in particular. Everyone will get credit, not just treasury benches or Modi. Look at the election results over the last decades. You can save yourself from damage. Don’t give it political colour,” the prime minister said, tacitly referring to the opposition.
It is our good fortune to give representation to half the population, PM Modi said.
"It will add sensitivity to our governance. Viksit Bharat does not mean just infrastructure and economic data, but also inclusion of 50% of the population in policy making," the PM underlined.
PM Modi begins his address in the Lok Sabha saying that we should have "implemented this 25-30 years ago and improved it as needed over time."
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that Muslims will not be given reservation on the basis of religion as such a quota would be unconstitutional.
During a fiery 40-minute debate, following which three bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha for amendment of the women's quota law and to set up a delimitation commission, Shah said a caste census will be carried out along with population enumeration during the ongoing census exercise."The question of providing reservation to Muslim women on the basis of religion does not even arise. Our Constitution does not allow at all to give reservation on the basis of religion. I want to make it clear our government's resolve that Muslims will not be given reservation on the basis of religion. Such reservation is unconstitutional," a combative Shah said after the Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav spoke in favour of giving a quota to Muslims.
(PTI)
PM Modi scheduled to speak in the Lok Sabha shortly.
"We demand that first census should be done. If they are not doing it, then they are cheating. They are bringing 2011 census, which means what will be the division of Lok Sabha seats. Their secret people must have drawn the map."
"I request Backwards, minorities and Muslims should be given reservation... You can't achieve the goal of reservation if you don't give Muslim women and Backward women reservation."
"When delimitation is done, then the number of Vidhan Sabha seats in UP will be more than 500 seats. Is their a conspiracy through women's reservation. Because in Lok Sabha, there will 120 seats and in Vidhan Sabha, seats will increase to 600. Is there a conspiracy -- which were are not being able understand. If there is, then you will lose like you did in Ayodhya."
Akhilesh Yadav says, "The delimitation they have brought. They want to change electoral map of the country. When time for delimitation came, they are planning delimitation which will suit them. We want census to be done first because once data comes, then it should be done. Because the basis of reservation is on population. Do they not count Muslim women in half of the population? We demand that Muslim and OBC women be included in this reservation."
"The BJP is shutting down schools. The Noida workers and maids are also speaking out. There are 40,000 workers on streets, including women. Women are protesting in Meerut, where Prabhu Shri Ram was elected (Arun Govil). If this Bill is so good, then it should be declared among women of Noida and Meerut who are protesting."
"Why is their silence on OBC women... When we used to hear the PM, he said that he was a Backward... the rush in this is because they don't want to give reservation based on caste census. We will not accept it till it is implemented properly. If we count that OBCs are 66 per cent, then OBC women will be 33 per cent. They don't want to give the rights to OBC women."
"We caught the fraud and it was exposed. Then, the BJP brought the Bills. the BJP's vote is reducing. and they are bringing reservation for that... The BJP is playing this ploy through women. But the most troubled are women. Their kitchens have been empty", says Akhilesh Yadav.
I would like to remind that in UP, the SP implemented women's reservation in Panchayats across the state. I ask why is there a rush for this. the truth is they want to delay census and caste census because then questions will be raised on reservation. The BJP never wants to give reservation."
"The SIR you brought.. We have seen SIR in UP. It is in name SIR, it was actually NRC."
"When in the first count, we are successful in saving deletion. They brought form 7. we caught form 7 and no deletions through form 7. The person who signed form 7 didn't know how sign form 7. When we caught it and brought it to the press, it was stopped (form 7). It seemed the whole arrangement is linked to BJP."
I ask how many women are in that organisation? For many years, they have been in government. I heard the minister who gave information about programmes. If we see global statistics, we are 146 place on women index. The BJP has governments in 21 states. I ask how many CMs are women. The one in Delhi. She is half CM. Where are the rights. Does the Delhi CM have rights and powers of a state," asks Akhilesh.
"Please tell me how many women are your MLAs. Then, in Lok Sabha, how many women do you have? When they say that they are in favour of women's reservation. They say that the SP opposes women's reservation. If i want to speak, I would say that Dr Lohia, who is our ideologue, he has said that women must get representation. Lohia ji has said that when women are aware, then the whole society becomes aware."
National President of the Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav says, "SP stands in favour of women's reservation. We have always worked towards the progress of women. We are in favour of 33% reservation for women. The BJP is trying to make Nari as a slogan (naara). How would a party, which is void of women, would stand for their upliftment. How many women are there in the party?
In the last 10 years of the Modi governemnt, South India has flourished in terms of development. The govt has also increased the budget of railway lines. The argument that is repeatedly being made is that the govt is bringing the bill to cause harm to the politics in South India. He added, "BJP's culture is not similar to those who chant slogans which are a threat to integrity of the nation."
"The principle of digressive proportionality, as suggested by Shashi Tharoor again violated the Constitutional fervour. The opposition must welcome it by all responsibiltiy. Another argument, against the number 815, is that it would be so big in size it would not be possible to conduct healthy decisions and debates in Parliament. In the last few years, producitivity of Lok Sabha has come down because of the continous hampering by the opposition. The Lok Sabha would need to increase the number of sitting as well", says Tejasvi Surya.
The argument that the opposition is making is to frame a hybrid manner to bring at par the number of seats of the state with the GSDP of the state. It defeats the constitutional value of one person, one vote. This argument has no ground. Going by this logic, Mukesh Ambani would have 1 lakh votes whereas a poor man would have none. Second, GSDP or even GDP for that matter is ever evolving. This value is highly volatile. How could GSDP be the axis of representation of people. Congress party is the practitioner of politics of postponement.
If delimitation were to be conducted purely on the basis of 2011 census, Tamil Nadu would not get 59 seats, as brought up in the bill. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh would be getting 27 seats. If you look at the number of seats through any other manner, all would lead to the same conclusion. Today, the share of the South Indian states in the overall scheme is 23.7% and it would continue. The halfway mark today is 202. The whole argument that the southern states are going to lose because of delimitation is a mischevious argument aimed at misleading people.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surva says as per Article 81 of the Indian Constitution, essentitally 550 seats have been frozen. As per 81(2) these seats shall be alloted to each state in such a manner that the ratio between the population of the states, overseen by the delimitation commission, and the seats in Parliament is proportional.
We have now proposed to increase the number of seats up to 50% taking the number of Lok Sabha seats to 815.
"We are again saying we support women's reservation, but remove it from the delimitation net. Make it easier. Don't use women's reservation for political gains."
"As Rahul Gandhi has said that we are a union of states. You can't reduce the strength of states based on population. Hence, we demand discussion on delimitation. Accept our suggestions", says Gogoi.
"In our country, when states were formed, population was not seen, but language was seen. Linguistic reorganization was done. Ethnicity was seen," remarked Gogoi. "Tribes in Assam and Northeast are being exploited today. That they can raise their voice from Mizoram, Nagaland. There are several regions which are demanding separate statehood. Because of their population numbers, you are weakening them. As KC Venugopal said that Atal ji and Indira ji, who had frozen to restore fdereal balance on population census on 1976 and 2001. After much thought. You are deviating from that. Do you think you are bigger than Atal ji?" asked Gogoi.
"You are weakening the Constitution through this women's reservation. It is says in Constitution that delimitation will be done based on latest census... How is this in favour of women. This Bill is anti-women, anti-caste census, federal structure of the country." "In our country, when states were formed, population was not seen, but language was seen. Linguistic reorganization was done. Ethnicity was seen," remarks Gogoi.
"We have seen that delimitation is being made a tool. I want to give example of two states -- Assam and J&K. In J&K, when you did delimitation, you made a delimitation commission and you used census 2011. Second was in Assam. The delimitation was done based on 2001 census and done by ECI. In two states, delimitation was done on two different census... You are using delimitation to strengthen your political roots," says Gogoi.
"In Assam, one Lok Sabha has 14 lakh people and another 26 lakh people. Who is this for? Whose convenience is being ensured? Not the people. The delimitation has been done that one Vidhan Sabha has four Zila Parishad and in others, there are two," says Gogoi
"What is this way -- that to implement women's reservation, you are bulldozing delimitation. Where did this figure of 815 members come from? who decided this number? The government itself saying that it will finish the COnstitutional amendment that women's reservation will be done after delimitation. Where did this number come from? Did it come from Nagpur, or RSS shakha... How can government decide this number. You will use delimitation as a tool. It can't become a tool as per the Constitution," says Gogoi.
"Your intention is not to implement women's reservation. If you were, you would have brought it immediately. And second thing is that you are not in favour of caste census," says Gogoi.
Congress leader Gogoi says, Home Minister had then said that we will need a delimitation commission will be needed. I would like to repeat what the Home Minister had said... That as soon as Lok Sabha 2024 elections conclude, immediately a census will be done and delimitation will be done and women's reservation will be implemented, says Gogoi.
"If you had heard us in 2023, then women's reservation would have been implemneted in 2024. We support women's reservation in current strength of House of 543. But you do politics in everything -- you do symbolism. This is a backdoor bill for delimitation, not women's reservation. You have put a label of women's reservation on this delimitation."
"I am here to represent my party here and express opposition. we heard the Law Minister. It seems like today is the day when women's reservation is being passed for the first time. But three years ago, when Home Minister had similar things. If you hear the speeches, the Law Minister repeated Home Minister had said three years ago."
"The same things were said. We had similar things then too. That we are in favour of women's reservation. But we had said that make women's reservation easier and implement it immediately. We had said the same thing then too. That we support women's reservation, but don't link it to delimitation."
Meghwal recalled the names of women scholars in the Vedic period, famous queens in history, women social workers and women freedom fighters. He added that 15 women were also part of the Constituent Assembly. He requested the House to pass the Bill unanimously.
As per women reservation bill, strength of Lok Sabha will be 815 of which women quota will be of 272 seats: Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
(PTI)
This Bill was first introduced in 1996 when HD Devegowda was PM, Meghwal said, adding that it was then sent to a Parliamentary panel under Geeta Mukherjee. It was again attempted in 1998 and 1999 when Vajpayee was PM, and then when Manmohan Singh was PM, he added. It was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010, Meghwal recalled. He said that it finally became a reality when Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023.
After four decades, it was under PM Modi that Parliament approved of women's reservation, Meghwal said, adding that Parliament is meeting again for its implementation.
Law Minister Meghwal says the women's reservation bill does no harm to the rights of men whatsoever. Meghwal said that the opposition wanted quick implementation of the 2023 Act. However, since it was linked to the ongoing census, there would have been delay, he added. That is why, he underlined, the present bills have been introduced to provide reservation for women. He said that this required an increase of 50-% seats in the Lok Sabha, with one-third of these being reserved for women. Meghwal said it would harm neither men nor any state, adding that the proportion of seats allocated to all states would remain the same.
It was firm resolve and devotion for Matri Shakti in the mind of Modi that made this possible, he said. As regards political justice, Babasaheb Ambedkar gave voting right to women, Meghwal asserted. He said Ambedkar measured the progress of a community as per women's progress there. Meghwal said that while women had to wait for 144 years to get voting rights in the US, India gave voting rights to women right in the beginning. These bills complete political justice for women, Meghwal underlined.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal says today is the time to implement the historic decision of 2023. Article 368 (2) of the constitution gives Parliament the power to amend the constitution, says Meghwal. Women members had raised this matter even in the Constituent Assembly since 1949, the minister said. He said that social justice is an important part of the constitution. Under PM Modi, he added, the speed and scale of social justice for women has increased.
As far as economic justice is concerned, the coming of Modi govt saw visible changes in economic justice for women, Meghwal asserted.
"During their meeting, they have decided that they will oppose everything and so they are doing it," says Shah. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju says that voting on the three Bills will be held at 4 pm on Friday. Plenty of time will be alloted for discussion on all three bills till then, speaker Om Birla informed.
KC Venugopal opposes the clubbing of the three bills. Amit Shah replies: "He has raised two issues. Voting is different on constitutional amendment and it is different in a Bill."
"The three Bills -- one constitutional amendment and one two other Bills. After constitution is amended, the women's reservation can be taken to logical end. In a way after constitutional amendment, the need that rises, these Bills have been brought for that." says Shah.
"When the three Bills are passed, then voting will be separate for them," says Shah.
After voting, all three bills, ‘The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026’, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ and‘The Delimitation Bill, 2026’ were introduced in the Lok Sabha.
During the voting, 207 votes were in favour while 126 were in opposition of the discussion of the bill. A total of 333 members voted with no abstentions. The bill will be discussed over 3 days in a special sitting of the Parliament.
The division of votes will ascertain whether the House backs introduction of the Bills.
K Radhakrishnan of CPI (M) opposes introduction of the Bills, saying that it undermines cooperative federalism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Census 2027 is underway. We have decided to go for caste enumeration."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Parliament Special Session: Union Home Minister Amit Shah (@AmitShah) says, "Census 2027 is underway. We have decided to go for caste enumeration."
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)
(Source: Third party) pic.twitter.com/z8cc9MwCdF
Owaisi says the bill violents the consitutional fervor and the spirit of federalism. He says the bill is in violation od the basic structure of the constitution. He adds that by removing the delimitation freeze, the government is denying states with lower populations their fair share. He adds that a minister has to give seven days' notice to introduce a Bill, which has been violated. He says that he will ask for division on this Bill.
TR Baalu of the DMK rises to oppose the introduction of the three "sandwich" Bills. He says that the DMK is with the women's Bill as passed in 2023. It was not necessary to bring another Bill, he adds. MK Stalin has shown black flags and burnt the Bill, he adds.
NK Premchandran questions the legislative competence of the constitutional amendment Bill, as it is for delimitation and not for women's reservation. He says that the 2023 Act is already in existence for women's reservation.
Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of TMC rises to oppose the introduction of the Bill.
Akhilesh seeks to know whether Muslim women are not part of aadhi aabaadi? Shah retorts that SP can give all its tickets to Muslim women if it wants. Akhilesh says that when the PM wanted the vote of backwards he said that he comes from a backward caste.
Akhilesh Yadav says that they are in a tearing hurry because if census happens, caste count will happen, and then SP will ask for representation. Amit Shah says that what has been said is a matter of concern. He adds that the census has started and the government has already decided to enumerate caste. Right now houses are being counted, Shah adds, and houses don't have castes. He adds that when population will be counted, there will be a column of caste. Shah says that any reservation on religious grounds is unconstitutional.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju says that speaking of Muslim women's reservation is unconstitutional, as reservation cannot be granted on grounds of religion. Talk about women of the whole country and not about Muslim women alone, Rijiju says.
Amit Shah says that Venugopal can mention technical objections alone against the introduction of the Bill and cannot speak on the merits of the Bill before its introduction. Venugopal says that the government itself had introduced the 2023 Bill and now it is saying it cannot happen as per it. He said that the intention is to take away the protections offered by Indira Gandhi and Vajpayee -- a tacit reference to the 1976 and 2001 freeze on delimitation -- and hijack the process. He demands that the Bills be withdrawn.
Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal seeks permission to introduce the The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026. INC leader KC Venugopal objects to the introduction of these bills.
KC Venugopal of the Congress opposes introduction of the three Bills. He calls it an attack on the federal structure. The Congress had asked the government to implement women's reservation in 2024 itself.
On the implementation of the women's reservation law, Congress leader Manish Tewari says, "It is a delimitation bill dressed up as a women's reservation bill. If the government were serious about reservation, let them delink it from delimitation and bring a standalone bill on women's reservation."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Delhi: On the implementation of the women's reservation law, Congress leader Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) says, "It is a delimitation bill dressed up as a women's reservation bill. If the government were serious about reservation, let them delink it from delimitation and… pic.twitter.com/8pC4eV3XeR
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2026
The principal opposition AIADMK has suggested not to make any changes in the Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha representation of 7.2 per cent, the party's national spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said on Thursday and flayed the ruling DMK for "concealing the truth".
During the all-party meet convened by the DMK on delimitation, the AIADMK, as the principal opposition party suggested not to make any changes in the TN Lok Sabha representation of 7.2 per cent, he said.
(PTI)
On DMK President and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is playing politics and is misguided by some people here. Nobody is against the women's reservation, but they are going to use some excuse to defeat, which should not be done. If you want to defeat the women's reservation by using some pretext, it will be the most unfortunate moment... So, Tamil Nadu or any state should not worry. They should not misguide and mislead the people. That's my appeal... Every state, every union territory of India, need not worry. Everybody will be given a fair chance, representation and opportunities..."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js#watch | Delhi: On DMK President and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is playing politics and is misguided by some people here. Nobody is against the women's reservation, but they are going to use some excuse to… pic.twitter.com/elAADY9xdq
— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2026
On Women's Reservation Bill, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "We are not against women’s reservation. However, we oppose the haste and the manner in which it is being introduced. Once a census is conducted, the country will demand a caste census. And once a caste census is carried out, the country will demand reservations. This is what they are trying to avoid. These people are against the poor, Dalits, Muslims, backward classes, and women. If we look at the data in the country, there is a greater need for protection along with reservation.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | On Women's Reservation Bill, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) said, "We are not against women’s reservation. However, we oppose the haste and the manner in which it is being introduced. Once a census is conducted, the country will demand a caste… pic.twitter.com/TmG4F8ABBD
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2026
Congress Lok Sabha member Hibi Eden has submitted a notice to oppose the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-first Amendment) Bill, 2026.
A meeting of Opposition floor leaders is scheduled at 10 am at Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s office in the Parliament complex.
On the implementation of the women's reservation law, Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh says, "If the bill is being implemented with the right intent, then there is absolutely no problem. But under the disguise of the women's reservation bill, if other bills are implemented, then a debate is inevitable."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Delhi: On the implementation of the women's reservation law, Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh (@apkavirendra) says, "If the bill is being implemented with the right intent, then there is absolutely no problem. But under the disguise of the women's reservation bill, if… pic.twitter.com/EBCru1tvhM
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2026
Congress leader and member of Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh said the three bills are being presented as women’s reservation but are linked to delimitation. He claimed the proposals could favour BJP-strong populous states and reduce representation of others.
He also criticised past delimitation exercises in Assam and J&K. Ramesh said the intent behind the Bills is “mischievous” and should be opposed.
He reiterated the demand for reserving one-third of 543 Lok Sabha seats for women, including SC, ST and OBC quotas.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThree Bills are being taken up in the Lok Sabha. The packaging and marketing is women’s reservation but the fundamentals have to do with delimitation.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 16, 2026
Many concerns have been raised from across the country regarding the delimitation proposals that privilege a few populous…
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput on Women's Reservation Bill says, "All parties want the women's reservation to be passed, but the BJP is an anti-women party. The main issue is that if they discriminate against the southern or northeastern states in the delimitation process, it will definitely be opposed. Delimitation should basically be done as per the 2026 census, not as per the 2011 census."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Lucknow: Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput on Women's Reservation Bill says, "All parties want the women's reservation to be passed, but the BJP is an anti-women party. The main issue is that if they discriminate against the southern or northeastern states in the… pic.twitter.com/ftiSFJeGpH
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2026
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said, "Women's Reservation bill NDA's initiative for equality of women in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha."
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske (@nareshmhaske) said, "Women's Reservation bill NDA's initiative for equality of women in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha."
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/gykfEj42pw
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday burnt a copy of the proposed delimitation bill, calling it a 'black law' and claiming it would turn Tamils into 'refugees' in their own land.
He raised a black flag and shouted slogans against the move in Namakkal, where he is campaigning, just hours before Parliament’s special session began. Supporters dressed in black joined him in the protest.
In a statement, Stalin said the protest would spark wider resistance across Tamil Nadu. He compared it to the anti-Hindi agitations of the 1960s and said the state would strongly oppose what he described as the Centre’s actions.
(PTI)
PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is set to take a “historic step” towards women’s empowerment as the special Parliament session begins.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsआज से शुरू हो रही संसद की विशेष बैठक में हमारा देश नारी सशक्तिकरण के लिए ऐतिहासिक कदम उठाने जा रहा है। हमारी माताओं-बहनों का सम्मान राष्ट्र का सम्मान है और यही भावना लेकर हम इस दिशा में दृढ़ता से आगे बढ़ रहे हैं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 16, 2026
व्युच्छन्ती हि रश्मिभिर्विश्वमाभासि रोचनम्।
ता त्वामुषर्वसूयवो… pic.twitter.com/8KWT1WLSje
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