Congress Mallikarjun Kharge Opposes Modi Govt’s Women’s Reservation Law Amendment (10 Apr 2026)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on April 10, 2026 warned that the Narendra Modi government 's proposal to amend the women’s reservation law and increase the strength of the Parliament would breach the model code of conduct , inviting “grave consequences”. Key Developments Kharge demanded a detailed parliamentary debate before any amendment to the women’s reservation law is undertaken. The Congress party signalled its intent to forge a united opposition coalition with other non‑government parties. The proposed change would raise the total number of seats in the Parliament , a move the ruling party argues is needed for better representation. Important Facts The existing reservation policy for women caps at 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha, a provision introduced through the 104th Constitutional Amendment in 2020. The Modi government’s amendment seeks to increase both the total seat count and the proportion of seats reserved for women, arguing that it will enhance gender parity in legislative decision‑making. According to the Election Commission, any legislative change that could influence the outcome of upcoming elections is subject to the model code of conduct . Critics, including Kharge, contend that the timing of the amendment—just months before the next general election—could give the incumbent party an unfair advantage. UPSC Relevance This episode touches upon several UPSC syllabus areas. In GS 2 (Polity) , candidates must understand the constitutional basis of the women’s reservation law , the role of the model code of conduct , and the dynamics of an opposition coalition . In GS 1 (History) , the evolution of reservation policies since independence provides historical context. The issue also has implications for GS 3 (Economy) as legislative size can affect fiscal allocations and administrative efficiency. Way Forward Kharge’s call for “thorough deliberation” suggests that the opposition will seek a parliamentary debate, possibly moving a motion in the Lok Sabha to scrutinise the amendment. A consensus among opposition parties could force the government to either postpone the amendment until after the election cycle or modify it to address concerns about the model code of conduct . For aspirants, monitoring the legislative process, the stance of the Election Commission, and the political calculations of both the ruling party and the opposition will be crucial for answering questions on governance, constitutional law, and gender equity in the UPSC exams.