Parliament began a three-day special session to discuss amendments in the Women’s Reservation law. Moreover, the government presented three bills on the first day of the session. However, Congress and Samajwadi Party strongly opposed these proposed legislations. Meanwhile, after voting allowed introduction, discussion continued inside the Lok Sabha. Earlier, Congress MP KC Venugopal raised objections during proceedings. In response, Home Minister Amit Shah said objections could remain technical, not based on merit.
Government Tables Key Bills, Debate Begins
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the House. Subsequently, Amit Shah presented the Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill, 2026. Additionally, Meghwal also introduced the Delimitation Bill, 2026 for discussion. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha proceedings adjourned around 12 pm till Friday morning.
Before debate, Minister Kiren Rijiju announced a total discussion time of twelve hours. He stated that the government remains ready to listen and respond clearly. Furthermore, Speaker Om Birla confirmed voting on the bill would happen at 4 pm next day.
Voting Numbers Reveal Divided House
The Lok Sabha conducted voting on the Constitution Amendment Bill proposal. A total of 333 members participated during this voting process. Out of them, 207 members supported introducing the Constitution Bill, 2026. Meanwhile, 126 members opposed the proposal during the voting session.
Subsequently, another voting recorded 251 votes in favour and 185 against. Opposition members demanded division voting against introducing the bill. Leaders from DMK, AIMIM, TMC, and CPI-M opposed the proposal actively.
Akhilesh Raises ‘Half Population’ Question
During the debate, Akhilesh Yadav questioned the government over Muslim women’s inclusion. He asked whether Muslim women do not belong to the country’s “half population.” Moreover, he accused the government of rushing the bill without proper preparation.
He further questioned why the bill came before conducting a national census. According to him, reservation demands may change after census data emerges.
Amit Shah Responds With Strong Counter
In response, Amit Shah said Samajwadi Party could give all tickets to Muslim women. He added that the government has no objection to such decisions.
Furthermore, he clarified that the census process has already started across the country. He also confirmed that the government has decided to conduct caste census.
Additionally, Shah remarked that Samajwadi Party might even assign caste to houses. He strongly stated that religion-based reservation remains unconstitutional.
Opposition Maintains Firm Resistance
Meanwhile, Dharmendra Yadav opposed all three bills presented by the government. He said his party opposes the Constitution Amendment Bill, UT Amendment Bill, and Delimitation Bill.
However, he also claimed that no party supports women’s reservation more strongly than his party. At the same time, Amit Shah said opposition arrived with intent to oppose.
