Rijiju Rules Out Special Parliament Session for Women’s Reservation, Delimitation Bills
Parliamentary Affairs Minister says no August 16–18 session is planned as the Centre continues consultations with opposition parties during the Monsoon Session.
NEW DELHI, Aug 5: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday dismissed speculation about a special Parliament session being convened later this month to consider key constitutional amendments related to women’s representation and the redrawing of Lok Sabha constituencies.
Responding to reports that Parliament could meet between August 16 and 18 after Independence Day, Rijiju categorically stated that the government has no such proposal under consideration.
“There is no proposal to have any special session from August 16 to 18,” the minister said, putting an end to rumours circulating in political circles over the past few days.
The clarification comes amid the Centre’s ongoing efforts to build political consensus for constitutional amendments aimed at providing one-third representation for women in legislatures and revising parliamentary constituencies ahead of the 2029 general elections.
As part of these consultations, Rijiju held talks with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the meeting focused on the possibility of introducing the proposed legislation during the current Monsoon Session. However, no assurance of support was received from the Congress leader.
Government sources indicated that the outreach exercise will continue in the coming days, with discussions planned with other opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and senior leaders of the DMK, to assess their position on the proposed constitutional amendments.
Officials have maintained that if the government decides to move forward with the legislation, it would do so within the ongoing Monsoon Session rather than through a separate sitting of Parliament.
A senior government functionary also ruled out the need for an additional session immediately after the Independence Day weekend, noting that the current session still has sufficient time remaining for legislative business.
Another government floor manager said there is no practical basis for convening a brief special session while Parliament is already in session, stressing that legislative priorities can be addressed within the existing schedule.
The Centre’s latest outreach reflects its attempt to secure wider political backing for the proposed constitutional changes, even as discussions with opposition parties continue without any final agreement.
