Modi revives women's quota push, urges all parties to back early implementation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Saturday to revive the proposal for women's reservation in legislatures, making a direct appeal to all political parties to support its early implementation. He called for one-third representation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, saying the measure should be rolled out "as soon as possible."

The government is planning to move a constitutional amendment bill that would give women 33% of seats in Parliament and state assemblies, with the overall strength of these bodies increasing by 50% from 2029. According to the Prime Minister's remarks, the proposal would come into effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. A previous attempt to bring this measure was defeated by the opposition in April.

"Today, standing here beneath the shadow of the Tricolour on the ramparts of the Red Fort, I pray to and urge all political parties to acknowledge the power of women. Let us step forward to uphold their dignity and ensure our mothers and sisters get 33% representation in assemblies and Lok Sabha as soon as possible," Modi said.

The women's reservation issue has a long history. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for one-third reservation for women, was passed unanimously by both houses of Parliament in September 2023. However, its implementation was linked to the completion of the census and delimitation process. The government has indicated that the quota will take effect from 2029. The fresh proposal seeks to amend that arrangement by also increasing the number of seats, so that the existing representatives are not displaced.

Responding to Modi's appeal, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of making a "dishonest pitch." In a post on social media platform X, Ramesh said the Congress has consistently supported women's reservation and wants it implemented from 2029 while retaining the current strength of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha. He criticised the BJP-led government for failing to enforce the 2023 law despite its assurances.

Modi, in his address, stressed that women have already served in large numbers as representatives in panchayats, municipalities, and municipal corporations due to existing reservation norms. He said the idea of women's reservation in legislative bodies had been held hostage to political battles for over 40 years, and urged all parties to come together. "You also take the credit, you also take the fame, but give rights to my mothers and sisters," he said.

The political climate appears to have shifted in the government's favour. The NDA has gained strength with the addition of several Lok Sabha MPs from the Trinamool Congress and a faction of the Shiv Sena (UBT). The DMK has also kept its distance from opposition ranks after the Congress allied with Vijay-led TVK in Tamil Nadu. The NCP (SP) is seen as another potential supporter of the bill.

The monsoon session of Parliament has not been prorogued, which allows the government to summon a special session at short notice. Modi's public appeal has increased expectations that Parliament could be convened as early as next month to take up the women's reservation bill.

The issue of women's reservation has been pending since the 1990s, with several attempts failing due to lack of consensus. While the 2023 law was a landmark, its implementation remains pending. The government's latest move, if successful, would make the quota operational for the 2029 elections, a significant step towards greater female representation in India's legislature.