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The Centre’s renewed push for women’s reservation has triggered sharp opposition, with parties demanding an all-party meeting and questioning the timing ahead of key state elections.
The government is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing key bills by the weekend
New Delhi: A renewed push by the Centre to advance women’s reservation has triggered strong reactions from opposition parties, who have termed the move an “election jhumla” and demanded wider consultations before any legislative action.
The government is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing key bills by the weekend, even as efforts are underway to build political consensus.
Several opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Trinamool Congress, have called for an immediate all-party meeting.
In a joint communication addressed to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, opposition leaders urged the government to discuss the framework and implementation of the proposed reservation policy.
They also suggested that such consultations should take place after the ongoing round of Assembly elections concludes in April.
While backing the idea of one-third reservation for women in legislatures, opposition parties raised concerns over the timing of the move, pointing to upcoming elections in several states.
They questioned whether the initiative was being used as a political tool rather than a genuine reform effort, emphasising the need for transparency and fairness in implementation.
Meanwhile, Amit Shah has been holding consultations with opposition leaders as well as allies within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to find common ground.
Sources indicate that if consensus is reached, the government may proceed with introducing legislative measures in the coming days.
The provision for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was cleared through a constitutional amendment under the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which received assent from President Droupadi Murmu in 2023.
However, its implementation is linked to the completion of the delimitation exercise. Current proposals suggest an expansion of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with 273 seats reserved for women.
With differing positions emerging, the issue is expected to remain a key political flashpoint in the run-up to elections, as parties debate both the intent and execution of the policy.
