The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued an order to MPs, directing their attendance from April 16-18 for the special Parliament session to speed up the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks support from political parties to implement the quota.
The Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhinyam Act was passed in 2023, but the reservation came into force only after the ongoing demarcation and population census process. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday agreed to introduce two bills during the special session to implement quotas ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and set up a delimitation commission.
In its three-line whip, the BJP has termed the presence of its legislators in the House as mandatory. “No leave will be granted. Members are requested to strictly adhere to the whip and ensure their uninterrupted attendance in the House…”
On Saturday, Modi wrote to political parties calling for “collective action” to ensure reservation takes effect by the 2029 Lok Sabha and Lok Sabha elections.
“From April 16, a historic debate related to Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhinyam is scheduled to be held in Parliament. This special session is an opportunity to further strengthen our democracy,” Modi wrote.
Modi described the need for women’s political participation as fundamental to India’s long-term growth path. “Any society only progresses when women have the opportunity to advance, make decisions, and most importantly, lead,” he said.
Modi added that the increased participation of women in various sectors, from “aerospace to sports” and “armed forces to startups”, has proven their capabilities.
He said Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhinyam was passed in 2023 with almost unanimous political support, terming it a rare moment of unanimity in Parliament. Modi added that members from across party lines came together to support the legislation. He described it as “an unforgettable moment that reflects our unity.”
Modi said they concluded that the time has come to implement Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhinyam in its true spirit across the country after extensive deliberations. He added that the 2029 general elections should be held with quotas in place.
He called on political parties to transcend partisan considerations. “It is a moment above any party or individual. It is a moment to show responsibility towards women and future generations,” Modi said. He urged lawmakers to actively participate in the discussion.
Modi expressed his confidence in the emergence of a unified position in Parliament. He said: “I have complete confidence that we will all come together and achieve this historic achievement.” He described this step as a “strong step towards enhancing” women’s representation in governance.
He called for strengthening the great democratic traditions and taking decisive steps towards historic transformation.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the timing of the special session and holding it without taking confidence from it. He noted that 30 months have passed since the Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhiniyam Act was promulgated. He said in a letter to Modi: “…Now this special session has been called without taking us into confidence…”
He said that the government is seeking their cooperation again, without revealing any details about border demarcation. Karji said it would be impossible to have any meaningful discussion on this landmark law without details on border demarcation and other aspects.
Karg questioned the government’s claim of holding consultations with political parties and urged an all-party meeting after April 29, once the ongoing state elections are over.
