Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress, on 20 April 2026 accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "killing" the Constitution amendment bill that would have introduced a women's quota in Parliament and State Assemblies from 2029. Kharge also highlighted that the opposition’s only parliamentary fight has been against the delimitation bill.">
Key Developments
- Kharge alleged that the Modi government deliberately stalled the women’s‑quota amendment, calling it a "killing" of the bill.
- The opposition’s parliamentary focus, according to Kharge, has been limited to opposing the delimitation legislation.
- During a campaign rally in West Bengal, Kharge mocked Modi’s extensive campaigning, questioning whether the Prime Minister aspired to become the state’s Chief Minister.
Important Facts
The proposed amendment sought to reserve a specific percentage of seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, with implementation slated for 2029. The amendment would have required a two‑thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half of the states, as per Article 368 of the Constitution.
The delimitation bill currently under debate aims to update constituency maps after the 2021 Census, a process that can alter political fortunes of parties in various regions.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding the dynamics of constitutional amendments is crucial for GS Paper II (Polity), especially the procedural requirements under Article 368. The debate on a women’s quota touches upon gender equity, a recurring theme in GS Paper IV (Ethics & Integrity) and social justice. The delimitation process is linked to electoral politics, a core component of GS Paper II and the functioning of the federal structure.
Way Forward
- Parliamentary debate: The amendment will need renewed political consensus to secure the requisite two‑thirds majority.
- State ratification: At least 13 of the 28 states must endorse the amendment for it to become law.
- Political strategy: Opposition parties may leverage the women’s‑quota issue to challenge the government’s commitment to gender representation.
- Public discourse: Civil society and women’s groups are likely to intensify advocacy for the quota, influencing future legislative agendas.
For UPSC aspirants, tracking such legislative developments offers insight into the interplay between constitutional law, gender policy, and electoral politics—key areas frequently examined in the civil services examination.