‘Dishonest Pitch’: Opposition Reacts As PM Modi Urges Support On Women Reservation Bill

Last Updated:August 15, 2026, 1:43 PM IST

PM Modi appealed to all political parties to support the implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

PM Modi urged Opposition parties to support the measure, saying they could “take the credit” but should ensure that women get their “due rights” to participate in policymaking.

Women Reservation Bill: The Opposition on Saturday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his appeal to political parties to support the implementation of 33% women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, saying that the Centre is delaying the legislation.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh in a post on X said that the Parliament had unanimously passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in September 2023, but alleged that the government ensured that the reservation did not come into effect from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Calling the Prime Minister’s appeal “dishonest”, he accused the Modi government of delaying the implementation of the legislation.

The party said it has consistently demanded implementation of women’s reservation from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections within the existing strength of the Lok Sabha.

“The PM made a dishonest pitch for women’s reservation in his address at the Red Fort today. He should know that the Parliament unanimously passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in September 2023 – but it was the double-faced hypocrisy of the Modi Government that made sure it won’t come into effect from the 2024 elections itself. The Adhiniyam was only notified hastily and silently late in the evening on April 16, 2026,” he said.

Congress also credited former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi with advancing women’s political representation at the grassroots level through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1993, which provided for reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.

“The Prime Minister should remember that women’s reservation was introduced in the Constitution by the 73rd and 74th amendments passed in 1993, and that it was the vision and determination of Shri Rajiv Gandhi that made it happen. @INCIndia has been consistent in its stand for the implementation of women’s reservation from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections within the current strength of the Lok Sabha,” he added.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised PM Modi over the issue and challenged the government to implement the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2027.

“One should not speak lies from the Red Fort; it is not a place for lying. Implement the Women’s Bill in 2027, we are ready,” Yadav said.

What PM Modi Appealed?

While addresing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, he appealed to all political parties to support the implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

“In Parliament, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed. But due to some reason or another, for the past 40 years, this political dream has always fallen victim to the arena of politics. Today, standing from the ramparts of the Red Fort in the shadow of the tricolor flag, I pray to all the political parties of the country. I urge you: Come, become worshippers of the capability of these women. Come forward in honour of those women,” PM Modi said.

Women’s Reservation Bill

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 was passed in both Houses of Parliament, but failed to move ahead with implementation after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill fell in the Lok Sabha on April 17, not being able to receive the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Its implementation is linked to a delimitation exercise following the relevant census.

The Opposition has objected to linking women’s reservation with delimitation and has called for the quota to be implemented within the existing strength of the legislatures.

Key Questions Answered

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When will the Women’s Reservation Bill actually be implemented?

The Women’s Reservation Bill is expected to be implemented by the 2029 general elections. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for 33% reservation for women, came into effect on April 16, 2026. However, the original act tied implementation to a delimitation exercise after the next census, which would delay it until 2034. The government is considering amendments to separate the reservation from delimitation to allow for earlier implementation.

Could the bill be implemented before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections?

The Women’s Reservation Bill could be implemented before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections if the government amends the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to separate women’s reservation from the delimitation process. The government is considering a major constitutional amendment to achieve this, with the aim of rolling it out by the 2029 elections. However, if a delimitation bill is not passed in the current monsoon session, implementation by 2029 could be difficult.

What are the main reasons for the delay in implementation?

The main reasons for the delay in implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill include the requirement for a new census and the redrawing of electoral seats (delimitation). Additionally, there are demands from some parties for a sub-quota for OBC and minority women within the 33% reservation.

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About the Author

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre…Read More

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