BJP issues whip for Parliament's special sitting on women's quota
What's the story
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a whip to its MPs, directing their presence from April 16-18 for a special sitting of Parliament. The session is aimed at expediting the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also appealed to political parties to support this initiative across party lines.
Call to action
Modi calls for collective action on women's reservation
In a letter to political parties, PM Modi called for "collective action" to ensure the reservation is implemented by the 2029 Lok Sabha and assembly elections. He stressed that women's political participation is crucial for India's long-term growth trajectory, saying "Any society progresses only when women have the opportunity to progress, make decisions, and more importantly, to lead," he said.
Political consensus
PM recalls near-unanimous political backing for women's reservation bill
Modi recalled that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed in 2023 with near-unanimous political backing. He called it a "memorable moment that reflected our unity." The Prime Minister said extensive deliberations led to the conclusion that it was time to implement this legislation in its true spirit across India.
Opposition response
Congress chief questions timing of special sitting, demands delimitation
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has questioned the timing of the special sitting and criticized the government for not taking them into confidence. He pointed out that it has been 30 months since the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed. Kharge also demanded details on delimitation before any meaningful discussion on this historic law can take place.