Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urges PM Modi to decouple women’s reservation law from delimitation amid special parliamentary session

Overview The Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern over a special sitting of Parliament scheduled during the ongoing state elections. Kharge argues that the timing suggests the government is trying to fast‑track the women’s reservation law for political mileage. Key Developments Kharge’s letter reiterates the demand for an all‑party meeting on the pending delimitation issue. The women’s reservation law is being linked to the delimitation amendments slated for discussion after April 29, 2026 . The opposition views the concurrent scheduling of the special sitting and state polls as an attempt by the ruling party to garner electoral advantage. Important Facts • The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 proposes a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. • Delimitation, last undertaken in 2008, is due for a fresh cycle to reflect the 2021 Census data. • The Congress party, under Kharge’s leadership, has consistently demanded a consensus‑based approach before any amendment to the reservation law. UPSC Relevance The episode illustrates the interplay between legislative procedure, party politics, and policy implementation—core topics for GS2: Polity . Understanding the mechanics of a special sitting helps aspirants analyse how governments manage parliamentary business during election cycles. The delimitation process is vital for grasping electoral representation and the constitutional provisions governing it. Moreover, the women’s reservation law reflects India’s commitment to gender equity, a recurring theme in both GS2 and GS4 (Ethics) papers. Way Forward • Opposition parties are likely to press for a formal all‑party meeting before any amendment to the reservation bill. • The government may need to separate the delimitation debate from the women’s reservation amendment to avoid accusations of politicising the process. • Monitoring the outcome of the special sitting will be crucial for assessing whether legislative priorities are being driven by policy imperatives or electoral considerations.