The Centre's push to fast-track the Women's Reservation Bill ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections faces a significant hurdle due to the lack of assured support from the Congress-led Opposition. A special three-day session of Parliament, scheduled for April 16-18, aims to introduce amendments to implement 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies before 2029, bypassing the current timeline tied to the post-2027 Census delimitation.
Despite Prime Minister Modi's appeal for bipartisan support and a BJP whip for full attendance, the government's efforts may fall short without Congress's backing. The Opposition’s concerns primarily revolve around the proposed linkage of reservation with delimitation, which they argue could disproportionately benefit northern states and harm southern and northeastern regions.
The proposed amendments also include increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats by up to 50%, further intensifying opposition resistance. Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have demanded broader consultations and clarity on the implications of such changes. The Opposition’s final stance, expected after an INDIA bloc meeting, will be crucial in determining whether the amendment secures the required support or faces a roadblock.
