Kharge Accuses Government of Fast Tracking Women’s Reservation Law for Political Gains
Congress chief urges all party consultation, raises concerns over delimitation link ahead of special Parliament session
NEW DELHI, Apr 12: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the timing of the Centre’s move to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. He suggested that holding the session during ongoing state elections strengthens the perception that the government is accelerating the law’s rollout for electoral advantage.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s communication regarding the April 16–18 session, Kharge reiterated that while the legislation was passed unanimously in 2023, its implementation has been delayed despite earlier assurances of urgency. He argued that the sudden push now, without adequate consultation, raises serious procedural and political concerns.
The Congress leader stressed that any meaningful discussion on the law remains incomplete without clarity on the proposed delimitation exercise, which is expected to be linked to its implementation. He maintained that opposition parties have consistently sought a comprehensive dialogue through an all-party meeting, particularly after the conclusion of the current election cycle on April 29.
Kharge also contested the government’s claim of having consulted political stakeholders, stating that opposition parties have not been taken into confidence. He emphasized that constitutional amendments impacting representation at both central and state levels require wider consensus and transparency.
Highlighting past policy decisions, Kharge expressed reservations about the government’s approach to major reforms, saying it has not always inspired confidence in terms of inclusivity and federal balance. He urged the Centre to engage all parties in a structured discussion before proceeding with any changes tied to the law.
The correspondence comes ahead of the scheduled Parliament session, where the government is expected to introduce measures related to the implementation of women’s reservation ahead of the 2029 general elections. The Congress has already indicated plans to coordinate with other opposition parties to formulate a unified stance on the issue.
