In a letter addressed to MPs from both Houses of Parliament and leaders of political parties in the state, Fadnavis urged them to ensure their presence during the special session scheduled between April 16 and 18
Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called on Members of Parliament from Maharashtra to support the proposed women’s reservation legislation during the upcoming special session of Parliament, while the Congress has raised concerns over the timing and intent of the move, calling it politically motivated, reported PTI.
Push for Women’s Reservation Gains Momentum
In a letter addressed to MPs from both Houses of Parliament and leaders of political parties in the state, Fadnavis urged them to ensure their presence during the special session scheduled between April 16 and 18. The session is expected to focus on clearing the proposed legislation aimed at operationalising the women’s reservation framework, reported PTI.
According to PTI, the Chief Minister described the passage of the bill as a historic step toward strengthening women’s participation in governance. He emphasised Maharashtra’s legacy of promoting gender equality, highlighting that the state already provides 50 per cent reservation for women in local self-government bodies, reported PTI.
Special Parliament Session and Legislative Roadmap
The Centre is preparing to fast-track the implementation of the women’s reservation law through the introduction of a draft Constitution amendment bill. The proposal includes provisions to expand the strength of the Lok Sabha from the current 543 seats to as many as 850 seats. This expansion is intended to facilitate the implementation of a 33 per cent reservation for women ahead of the 2029 general elections.
Additionally, the proposed changes would extend to state legislative assemblies and Union territory legislatures, ensuring similar reservation for women representatives. The process is expected to be linked to a fresh delimitation exercise based on the most recent census data.
Congress Calls Move a ‘Calculated Strategy’
Reacting sharply, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe accused the ruling party of using the women’s reservation bill as a political tool. He argued that the timing of the special session—coinciding with ongoing elections in several states—raises questions about the government’s intentions, reported PTI.
Londhe said that if the Centre was genuinely committed to women’s empowerment, the law could have been implemented earlier, soon after its passage. Instead, he alleged that the government is now linking the issue with delimitation to gain electoral advantage, reported PTI.
Concerns Over Delimitation and Representation
The Congress leader further expressed apprehension about the implications of the delimitation process. Referring to the Delimitation Act, 2002, he noted that the law mandates the formation of an independent Delimitation Commission led by a retired Supreme Court judge. However, he claimed that the involvement of the Election Commission in the current process could raise questions about neutrality, reported PTI.
Londhe also warned that the proposed changes might affect the political representation of Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. He pointed out concerns raised by southern states, arguing that if population becomes the sole criterion for delimitation, it could reduce their representation in Parliament.
(With inputs from PTI)
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