Congress calls CWC meet to discuss Women Reservation Bill; Details here

The Congress Working Committee will meet to discuss the Women Reservation Bill and formulate its strategy amid growing political tensions. While the party supports one-third reservation for women in principle, it has raised concerns over the timing of the government’s move during ongoing state elections.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 9 April 2026, 1:39 PM IST

Women Reservation Bill Sparks Political Debate

New Delhi: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has decided to meet on Friday at 3 PM to discuss the Women Reservation Bill afresh. The highest policy-making body of the Congress party - the CWC - is expected to work out a strategy as well as a roadmap ahead. The CWC meeting has assumed significance in view of the Union Cabinet, yesterday, approving a draft amendment Bill to implement the Women Reservation Act by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Congress Raises Concerns

The Congress is, in principle, in favor of one-third reservation for women, but it has opposed the government bringing it when elections are in progress in four states. The Congress party apprehends that passing the Bill during the special session from April 16 to 18 would benefit the BJP electorally.

Cabinet Proposal Details

According to sources, the Cabinet yesterday said that the amendment seeks to revise the implementation framework of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, formerly known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, passed in 2023.

Proposed Changes in Lok Sabha Strength

Under the proposal, the strength of the Lok Sabha is set to rise from 543 to 816. Following a fresh delimitation exercise of the expanded House, 273 seats will be reserved (one-third) for women. In other words, it is a significant departure from the existing law; the government plans to carry out delimitation based on the 2011 Census rather than waiting for Census data from 2027.

Opposition's Stand

Sources said that the CWC is going to adopt a strong line against the government's fresh moves to pass the Women's Bill. One senior CWC member said that the government is trying to take political advantage of the reservation amendment.

Demand for Wider Consultation

The CWC is expected to pass a resolution appealing to political parties to call an all-party meeting to discuss the proposed amendment rather than rushing it through as an election-driven tactic.

Questions Raised by Congress Leaders

Many senior Congress leaders point out why the government failed to implement women reservation in 2023 when there was total consensus. They also question why this U-turn and reversal of the earlier decision.