Mallikarjun Kharge Raises Concerns Over Women’s Quota Bill, Calls for All-Party Discussion After Elections
Congress chief seeks discussion on Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, after assembly elections
New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday raised concerns over the government’s haste to amend the women’s reservation law, urging that an all party meeting be held only after the current assembly elections conclude in April.
In a letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Kharge questioned the need for a “great hurry” to modify the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, 30 months after its initial passage. He noted that the Opposition had already suggested on March 24, 2026, that discussions on the law be scheduled post-elections, to ensure adequate deliberation.
Kharge clarified that delaying the meeting will not affect the law’s implementation, which is set to take effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He also highlighted that during the 2023 Rajya Sabha debate, he had pushed for immediate implementation of the women’s reservation law, but the government had not agreed at that time.
The appeal comes amid reports that the government may bring amendments to ensure the women’s quota law is operational before the completion of the delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha and state assembly constituencies. Opposition leaders have termed this move a potential political strategy, accusing the government of using the issue as a diversion from challenges in foreign policy, LPG, and energy sectors.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh added that the Modi government is reportedly planning to increase the size of the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas by 50%, making careful deliberation essential. The 33% reservation provision for women, introduced via the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, will officially come into force only after the delimitation exercise is completed.
Kharge’s letter reiterates the demand for a comprehensive all party discussion after April 29, 2026, to ensure consensus and smooth implementation of the women’s reservation law across parliamentary and state assemblies.
