The Centre on Thursday introduced the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, marking a major legislative step during the ongoing special session of Parliament.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister for Law and Justice, presented the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026. The move initiated debate on the implementation of a one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies. He also tabled the Delimitation Bill, 2026.
During the proceedings, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, expanding the day’s legislative agenda.
The introduction of the Bills triggered strong objections from the Opposition. Congress MP KC Venugopal opposed all three legislations, stating, “The government wants to completely hijack the Constitution.”
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Amit Shah clarified that the Bills had only been introduced and detailed discussions would follow.
As Venugopal continued his remarks, Om Birla intervened and assured that the House would have sufficient time for debate.
Dharmendra Yadav also objected. He raised concerns over the exclusion of Muslim women from the reservation framework. Kiren Rijiju termed the claim ‘unconstitutional’.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav reiterated support for women’s reservation in principle but questioned delays in conducting the Census.
“They are delaying the census because when it happens, we will ask for the caste-based census, and they don’t want it,” he stated.
Responding, Amit Shah said, “The Census process has already started across the country, and after that, we will also conduct a caste-based census. Currently, the House Listing is underway; homes don’t belong to a certain caste. If SP has its way, they will designate a caste to homes also.”
Shah also criticised Dharmendra Yadav’s remarks as ‘unconstitutional’, asserting that the Constitution does not allow religion-based reservation. Akhilesh Yadav termed Shah’s comments on the Muslim community undemocratic, prompting Shah’s response:
We are not stopping the Samajwadi Party from giving all their tickets to Muslim women.
The debate will likely continue as both sides prepare to assert their positions on the proposed legislation.
Also Read: Amit Shah, Akhilesh Yadav Face-Off In Lok Sabha Over Women’s Quota, Census Debate
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