Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a special session of Parliament will be convened on April 16, 17, and 18 to expedite the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, aiming for its benefits to commence from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. During a campaign rally in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, he noted that states demonstrating effective population control would not experience any reduction in their Lok Sabha seats.

Modi highlighted the NDA government’s commitment to women empowerment, citing the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. He expressed the need for increased female representation in decision-making roles, affirming the government’s initiative to establish a 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The Prime Minister underscored that this legislative change has been pending for four decades, and emphasised the urgency of its implementation. He assured states of fair treatment in terms of seat allocation if they have effectively managed population growth. Modi stated, “Everyone will benefit”, reiterating the necessity for collective participation across political parties to achieve this goal.

Modi Calls For Consensus Among Political Parties

During his address, Prime Minister Modi appealed to all political parties to collaborate for the advancement of women’s rights. He maintained that amendments to the women’s reservation bill should ideally occur through a consensus-driven approach. He encouraged constituents to pressure their representatives to support the women’s reservation law, thereby promoting women’s rights actively.

In reaction to Modi’s statements, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that convening Parliament during the specified dates violated the Model Code of Conduct. He pointed out that previously, the government aimed to implement the Women’s Reservation Bill by the 2034 elections based on the new Census count, contradicting Modi’s push for earlier implementation.

Ramesh proposed holding an all-party meeting on April 29, post the assembly elections, to discuss this issue further, indicating the difference in perspectives on the bill’s timeline.

Concerns Over The State Of Governance In Bengal

In addition to discussing the Women’s Reservation Act, Prime Minister Modi took aim at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding recent unrest in Malda, which saw seven judicial officers, including three women, allegedly held captive. Modi labelled the situation as a manifestation of a “jungle raj” under the current state government, questioning the safety of citizens amidst such occurrences.

He asserted that when judicial processes become targets of disruption, it raises significant concerns about public safety. Modi detailed that recent incidents in Malda demonstrate the dire state of governance, asserting that citizens deserve a system where constitutional authority is respected. His remarks called attention to the need for accountability within the ruling party.

The Prime Minister further elaborated on the implications of TMC’s governance, alleging that their recent campaign manifesto has historical connections to communal tensions in Bengal. He stressed that the character of the TMC’s political approach could potentially distort the identity of the region, urging the electorate to consider the implications of supporting such a party.

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