Women's Reservation Bill Sparks Intense Debate Ahead of 2029 Elections

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje supports the Women's Reservation Bill, aiming for implementation by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Congress MP Kumari Selja questions the timing and logic behind introducing three bills concurrently. Prime Minister Modi warns the Opposition not to resist the bill, highlighting women's role in decision-making.

Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje expressed her support for the Central Government's initiative to implement the Women's Reservation Bill by the Lok Sabha elections of 2029. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision, she confirmed that delimitation will 'certainly take place' to facilitate this measure.

The Prime Minister, she said, intends to ensure reservations for women, who have been performing commendably in local governance bodies like Gram Panchayats. She stressed that women should receive this provision as part of their constitutional rights without being influenced by religion, emphasizing that women reservations will be reality by the 2029 elections.

However, opposition voices like Congress MP Kumari Selja have raised questions about the timing of the bill. Selja criticized the government's rationale for introducing three bills at once, questioning the urgency and discussing the implications of implementing such reservations.

Prime Minister Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha, cautioned the Opposition against resisting this bill, warning of potential consequences. He highlighted the importance of involving women in parliamentary decision-making processes, echoing calls for inclusion initiated decades ago. Women, he stated, have become more vocal and politically aware, especially those elected at the grassroots level.

Ahead of introducing the Delimitation Bill, 2026, along with the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, PM Modi sought unanimous support in the Lok Sabha. Despite the opposition's demand for a division instead of a voice vote, the bills were tabled.

(With inputs from agencies.)