Narendra Modi addressed the special Parliament session on April 16, 2026, focusing on the Women’s Reservation Bill and the proposed delimitation exercise. Urging cross-party support for 33% reservation, he stressed that India’s progress depends not only on infrastructure but also on greater participation of women in policymaking.

In a notable remark, Modi offered a symbolic “blank cheque” to the opposition, saying they could pass the bill and he would publicly acknowledge their role. The statement was seen as an appeal for bipartisan cooperation on a reform that has remained pending for decades.

He criticized opposition parties for raising procedural objections that could delay implementation, arguing that women’s representation should not be held back further. The Women’s Reservation Bill, passed in 2023, is yet to be implemented due to the pending delimitation process, which the government aims to expedite.

The proposed changes, including expanding Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850 with 273 reserved for women, have intensified debate over representation and federal balance. Modi urged all parties to rise above politics and support measures that strengthen women’s role in governance.