New Delhi: Parliament’s special session began at 11 am on April 16, with the government introducing a bill to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal tabled the proposed legislation in the Lok Sabha. Congress MP K C Venugopal urged that the bill be withdrawn, triggering loud protests and disruptions from opposition MPs.
Home Minister Amit Shah said members’ questions would be answered. During the debate, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav sought an internal quota for Muslim women, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju argued against dividing women on religious lines. Shah said the Constitution does not provide for religion-based reservation.
The special session is scheduled to continue until April 18. Opposition parties, including the DMK, also protested in the Parliament complex against a linked constituency delimitation bill.
Speaker Om Birla announced that a 12-hour discussion will be held on three bills, including the women’s reservation bill, and that voting will take place at 4 pm tomorrow.
