Modi’s women’s reservation appeal is a ‘drama’: Congress

The Congress on Sunday termed “drama” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked bill for implementing women’s reservation, and alleged that his single point agenda is “Modi preservation, not women’s reservation”.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh questioned the intentions behind Prime Minister Modi’s appeal and said instead of “sermonising” from the Red Fort, he must implement the quota on the current strength of the Lok Sabha for 2029 polls.

The Constitution amendment bill, brought during the extended Budget Session, sought to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816.

A two-thirds majority was required to pass the proposed legislation in the Lower House. However it was defeated by the opposition parties. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence



Day, Modi also said the political parties can take credit for the adoption of the proposed legislation.

“Under the shadow of the national flag, I appeal to all political parties: let’s come together in honour of those women and provide 33 per cent reservation to our mothers and daughters in assemblies and Lok Sabha and ensure their representation, so that they contribute in evolving India’s policies,” he said, adding that it was the need of the hour.

“I urge all political parties to come forward in implementing the women reservation Bill and honour them. They should also take credit for its passage and contribute, but give that right to our women,” he said, calling on the need to venerate women power.

On April 17, during the Budget Session, the Modi government faced a setback as the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in Lok Sabha. Of the 528 MPs who voted in Lok Sabha, 298 voted in support, while 230 opposed it. The Bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority.