BJP issues three-line whip for MPs ahead of special Parliament session (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday directed all its Members of Parliament to be present during the upcoming special session of Parliament scheduled from April 16 to 18.
A three-line whip has been issued, making attendance compulsory for MPs in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The directive also applies to Union Ministers, with the party making it clear that no leave will be granted during the three-day session.
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The special session is expected to centre around discussions on the Women’s Reservation framework, particularly the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. The legislation, passed in 2023, links reservation for women in legislatures to the completion of a new census and delimitation exercise.
Due to delays in conducting the latest census, the government is reportedly considering using 2011 census data to move forward with implementation.
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concerns over the timing and lack of consultation regarding the special session.
Kharge criticised the government for convening the session without holding discussions with Opposition parties and said that crucial details, particularly on delimitation, have not been shared.
In his letter, Kharge urged the government to convene an all-party meeting after April 29 to deliberate on the proposed constitutional amendments and the broader implications of delimitation.
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He argued that meaningful discussion on such a significant issue requires transparency and consensus among political stakeholders.
The timing of the session, amid ongoing state elections, has also drawn criticism from Opposition leaders, who allege that the government may be attempting to fast-track the process for political advantage.
However, the Centre has maintained that the session aims to advance legislative priorities and strengthen democratic processes.
