<h3>Overview</h3> <p>On <strong>13 April 2026</strong>, <strong>Mallikarjun Kharge</strong>, president of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Indian National Congress — one of India’s oldest political parties and the principal opposition party (GS2: Polity)">Indian National Congress</span>, announced that the party will convene an <span class="key-term" data-definition="All‑party meeting — a gathering of representatives from all political parties to discuss a policy issue and build consensus (GS2: Polity)">all‑party meeting</span> on <strong>15 April 2026</strong>. The purpose is to deliberate the implementation of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Women’s Reservation law — legislation proposing reservation of seats for women in Parliament and state legislatures to improve gender representation (GS2: Polity)">Women’s Reservation law</span>, while accusing the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Centre (Government of India) — the Union Government comprising the President, Parliament and Council of Ministers (GS2: Polity)">Centre</span> of not being prepared for a comprehensive consultation.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>The Congress party will host an <strong>all‑party meeting on 15 April 2026</strong> to discuss the operational details of the Women’s Reservation law.</li> <li>Kharge reiterated full support for the legislation but stressed the need for “wide discussions” given its national implications.</li> <li>The party accused the Union Government of delaying a “comprehensive consultation” with all stakeholders.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The Women’s Reservation law, originally passed for local bodies, seeks to extend a <span class="key-term" data-definition="Reservation (affirmative action) — policy of reserving seats or positions for historically disadvantaged groups to ensure representation (GS2: Polity)">reservation</span> of 33 % seats for women in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Implementation would require constitutional amendment, amendment of the Representation of the People Act, and coordination among the Election Commission, Parliament, and state governments.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>This development touches upon several GS topics: the constitutional process for amending representation (GS2), the role of opposition parties in parliamentary democracy, and the broader debate on gender equity in governance. Aspirants should note the procedural steps for policy adoption, the political dynamics of coalition‑building, and the impact of affirmative‑action policies on social justice.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Analysts expect the all‑party meeting to produce a consensus document that could pressure the Centre to schedule a joint parliamentary committee. Successful implementation will depend on political will, inter‑governmental coordination, and possible judicial scrutiny. UPSC candidates should monitor subsequent parliamentary debates and any amendments to the Representation of the People Act.</p>