Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: ‘Implement women’s quota now, don’t weaponise it’, says KC Venugopal in LS

Parliament special sitting live updates track key bills including delimitation and women’s reservation.

Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: In the Lok Sabha, Congress leader KC Venugopal sharply criticised the government over the delay in implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill, asserting that the Congress had historically empowered women by giving the country its first woman Prime Minister and the first woman Speaker of the House. Drawing a contrast with the current leadership, he described the former as a “brave” leader who never bowed to external pressure. Acknowledging that the Bill had passed only one House during the UPA era, Venugopal questioned the government’s inaction over the past nine years, asking who was responsible for the continued delay. He further alleged that despite introducing the legislation in 2023, the government had failed to implement it and was instead using it as a political tool that could harm democratic processes. Offering support, he said the Opposition was effectively giving a “blank cheque” to the government to implement the quota immediately and take credit for it.

Three major bills have been tabled:

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026
The Delimitation Bill, 2026
The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

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Bills introduced in the special sitting of the Parliament:  The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, 2026 have been tabled by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by Home Minister Amit Shah. The main focus of this session is the Constitutional Amendment Bill aimed at the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Even as the law was passed in 2023, it is yet to be put in force, as it is linked to a fresh delimitation exercise.

Live Updates
Apr 16, 2026 04:41 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: ‘PM avoiding delimitation, delaying women’s quota implementation’, says KC Venugopal

Congress leader KC Venugopal in Lok Sabha session criticised the Centre over the implementation of the women’s reservation law, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of deliberately sidestepping concerns.

He pointed out that despite a lengthy speech in Parliament, the Prime Minister did not address the issue of delimitation, which the Opposition has repeatedly raised.

Venugopal said the women’s reservation Bill was already passed in 2023 yet no concrete steps have been taken in the three years since.

He questioned the government’s intent, arguing that if there was a genuine commitment, the quota could have been implemented in the 2024 elections itself. Dismissing the Prime Minister’s remarks as political theatrics, he added that the Opposition is ready to support immediate implementation under the existing parliamentary framework, and accused the government of using procedural conditions like census and delimitation to delay the rollout.

Apr 16, 2026 04:19 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Linking women’s quota with delimitation raises serious concerns', says Shiv Sena (UBT) MP

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant stated concerns over the proposed Delimitation Commission while speaking on the Women’s Reservation Bill on Thursday. He questioned in Lok Sabha that the connection between women’s reservation and the delimitation process, pointing out that the Commission would have the authority to determine its own procedures. Sawant noted that the provisions of the proposed Delimitation Bill are similar to those of the Commission established in 2002. He also criticised the timing of the discussion, saying that raising the issue during elections in five states risks turning it into a political matter.

Apr 16, 2026 03:43 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Strength of House will be increased so no one suffers loss, says PM

PM Modi called upon members to pass the draft law unanimously, adding that the Bills should not be weighed on a political balance, as half the population of the country had a right to be in Parliament.

He said that the strength of the House would be increased so that no one suffers a loss. He said that the government had thought about it earlier and the new Parliament was more spacious to accommodate more members.

With this, the prime minister concludes his Parliament address.

Apr 16, 2026 03:39 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'No dearth of experienced, capable women in country'

The prime minister said he had seen women’s leadership at the grassroots as Chief Minister, and their commitment accelerated progress. “A sensitivity will be infused here. The Parliament will be enriched,” he said. “There is no dearth of experienced and capable women in the country.”

“As the mother of democracy, this is India’s cultural commitment,” the prime minister said.

Apr 16, 2026 03:37 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Don't want credit; you help pass bills, take credit': PM's 'blank cheque' offer

"Some people here think there is some political greed of Modi involved in this… If you oppose it, it is natural that I will gain politically, but if we all come together, none will benefit in particular. We don’t want credit. You pass it, and I will issue an advertisement using public money publishing all your photos. I am offering you a blank cheque of credit," PM Modi asserted.

Apr 16, 2026 03:34 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Can't deceive women now, you've stalled for 3 decades, says PM

“Today we don’t have the courage to deny it openly now, so technical points and excuses are being sought out. But you can’t deceive women now. You have stalled it for three decades but achieved nothing. So, do it now,” PM Modi said.

Apr 16, 2026 03:32 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Women's rights, we're not 'giving' anything: PM Modi

The prime minister said that we must not delude ourselves into thinking we are "giving something" to the women of our country, it is their right.

“We have denied it for decades and we should liberate ourselves from that,” PM Modi added.

Apr 16, 2026 03:28 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Proportion of seats will not change; increase will be in same proportion'

“None has given us the right to sit here and see the country in fragments. We have taken an oath and have to see ourselves as a nation… But in view of the frenzy being whipped up for votes, I say with responsibility that this decision will not discriminate against anyone or do injustice to anyone. The proportion of seats will not change; the increase will be in the same proportion… If you want a guarantee or a promise, I will say so. If there is some good word in Tamil, I will use it. When the intention is good, we do not need to play with words,” PM Modi said.

Apr 16, 2026 03:26 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Need of the hour to not delay it any further, says PM

How long do we want to stall this, PM Modi asked in Parliament, underlining that everyone wanted early implementation in 2023. But, he said, "2024 was too close to implement it, adding that it is the need of the hour not to delay it any longer now."

"Naari Shakti will be watching our decision (nirnay), and more than that our intent (neeyat). They will never forgive bad intentions on our part," PM Modi said in Parliament.

Apr 16, 2026 03:24 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: View it as national interest, not political move: PM to Oppn

PM Modi lauded the achievements of Indian women, and said that their inclusion would improve the capability of the country. He requested the opposition to see it as a matter of national interest, not as a political move.

If we all move forward together, this decision will not go in favour of any one party, but in favour of country's democracy, the prime minister added.

Apr 16, 2026 03:19 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Must consider political leadership of women at grassroots level'

Addressing the Parliament, PM Modi says, “They give reservation in Panchayats, as they don’t fear that their own position will go. That is what has been discussed in the past. In the last 25-30 years, a political consciousness has emerged among sisters who have been elected in Panchayats. They are vocal now… They are agitated. They say you give us sweeping jobs, but we want to be part of decision-making."

Those who oppose this will have to pay a price for a long time… We have to consider the political leadership of women at the grassroots level, PM Modi added.

Apr 16, 2026 03:17 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Don't give this move political colour, says PM Modi

No party said it disagrees with this move in principle, PM Modi said, adding that they are just taking a political direction.

He said that women never forgave those parties that opposed this move. “This did not happen in 2024 because the Bill was passed unanimously. Everyone was together at that time. Even today, it will not help any one in particular. Everyone will get credit, not just treasury benches or Modi. Look at the election results over the last decades. You can save yourself from damage. Don’t give it political colour,” the prime minister said, tacitly referring to the opposition.

Apr 16, 2026 03:15 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Viksit Bharat means inclusion of 50% of population in policy-making'

It is our good fortune to give representation to half the population, PM Modi said.

"It will add sensitivity to our governance. Viksit Bharat does not mean just infrastructure and economic data, but also inclusion of 50% of the population in policy making," the PM underlined.

Apr 16, 2026 03:13 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: We should have implemented this 25-30 years ago, says PM

PM Modi begins his address in the Lok Sabha saying that we should have "implemented this 25-30 years ago and improved it as needed over time."

Apr 16, 2026 03:00 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day

Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day

Apr 16, 2026 02:33 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: No reservation to Muslims; quota on basis of religion unconstitutional says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that Muslims will not be given reservation on the basis of religion as such a quota would be unconstitutional.

During a fiery 40-minute debate, following which three bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha for amendment of the women's quota law and to set up a delimitation commission, Shah said a caste census will be carried out along with population enumeration during the ongoing census exercise."The question of providing reservation to Muslim women on the basis of religion does not even arise. Our Constitution does not allow at all to give reservation on the basis of religion. I want to make it clear our government's resolve that Muslims will not be given reservation on the basis of religion. Such reservation is unconstitutional," a combative Shah said after the Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav spoke in favour of giving a quota to Muslims.

(PTI)

Apr 16, 2026 02:31 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: PM Modi to speak in the Lok Sabha shortly

PM Modi scheduled to speak in the Lok Sabha shortly.

Apr 16, 2026 02:28 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'First census should be done', says Akhilesh Yadav

"We demand that first census should be done. If they are not doing it, then they are cheating. They are bringing 2011 census, which means what will be the division of Lok Sabha seats. Their secret people must have drawn the map."

"I request Backwards, minorities and Muslims should be given reservation... You can't achieve the goal of reservation if you don't give Muslim women and Backward women reservation."

Apr 16, 2026 02:23 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Vidhan Sabha seats in UP would be 500 post delimitation

"When delimitation is done, then the number of Vidhan Sabha seats in UP will be more than 500 seats. Is their a conspiracy through women's reservation. Because in Lok Sabha, there will 120 seats and in Vidhan Sabha, seats will increase to 600. Is there a conspiracy -- which were are not being able understand. If there is, then you will lose like you did in Ayodhya."

Apr 16, 2026 02:21 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Muslim and OBC women be included in this reservation'

Akhilesh Yadav says, "The delimitation they have brought. They want to change electoral map of the country. When time for delimitation came, they are planning delimitation which will suit them. We want census to be done first because once data comes, then it should be done. Because the basis of reservation is on population. Do they not count Muslim women in half of the population? We demand that Muslim and OBC women be included in this reservation."

Apr 16, 2026 02:19 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Akhilesh Yadav says 'govt does not want to give the rights to OBC women'

"The BJP is shutting down schools. The Noida workers and maids are also speaking out. There are 40,000 workers on streets, including women. Women are protesting in Meerut, where Prabhu Shri Ram was elected (Arun Govil). If this Bill is so good, then it should be declared among women of Noida and Meerut who are protesting."

"Why is their silence on OBC women... When we used to hear the PM, he said that he was a Backward... the rush in this is because they don't want to give reservation based on caste census. We will not accept it till it is implemented properly. If we count that OBCs are 66 per cent, then OBC women will be 33 per cent. They don't want to give the rights to OBC women."

Apr 16, 2026 02:15 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'BJP playing a ploy through women'

"We caught the fraud and it was exposed. Then, the BJP brought the Bills. the BJP's vote is reducing. and they are bringing reservation for that... The BJP is playing this ploy through women. But the most troubled are women. Their kitchens have been empty", says Akhilesh Yadav.

Apr 16, 2026 02:14 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'In UP, they conducted SIR in the name of NRC'

I would like to remind that in UP, the SP implemented women's reservation in Panchayats across the state. I ask why is there a rush for this. the truth is they want to delay census and caste census because then questions will be raised on reservation. The BJP never wants to give reservation."

"The SIR you brought.. We have seen SIR in UP. It is in name SIR, it was actually NRC."

"When in the first count, we are successful in saving deletion. They brought form 7. we caught form 7 and no deletions through form 7. The person who signed form 7 didn't know how sign form 7. When we caught it and brought it to the press, it was stopped (form 7). It seemed the whole arrangement is linked to BJP."

Apr 16, 2026 02:12 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: How many CMs from BJP are women, asks Akhilesh Yadav

I ask how many women are in that organisation? For many years, they have been in government. I heard the minister who gave information about programmes. If we see global statistics, we are 146 place on women index. The BJP has governments in 21 states. I ask how many CMs are women. The one in Delhi. She is half CM. Where are the rights. Does the Delhi CM have rights and powers of a state," asks Akhilesh.

"Please tell me how many women are your MLAs. Then, in Lok Sabha, how many women do you have? When they say that they are in favour of women's reservation. They say that the SP opposes women's reservation. If i want to speak, I would say that Dr Lohia, who is our ideologue, he has said that women must get representation. Lohia ji has said that when women are aware, then the whole society becomes aware."

Apr 16, 2026 02:07 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Akhilesh Yadav says BJP is using women reservation as a slogan

National President of the Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav says, "SP stands in favour of women's reservation. We have always worked towards the progress of women. We are in favour of 33% reservation for women. The BJP is trying to make Nari as a slogan (naara). How would a party, which is void of women, would stand for their upliftment. How many women are there in the party?

Apr 16, 2026 02:01 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: South India flourished in last 10 yrs under Modi govt

In the last 10 years of the Modi governemnt, South India has flourished in terms of development. The govt has also increased the budget of railway lines. The argument that is repeatedly being made is that the govt is bringing the bill to cause harm to the politics in South India. He added, "BJP's culture is not similar to those who chant slogans which are a threat to integrity of the nation."

Apr 16, 2026 01:56 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Principle of digressive proportionality does not stand ground in India'

"The principle of digressive proportionality, as suggested by Shashi Tharoor again violated the Constitutional fervour. The opposition must welcome it by all responsibiltiy. Another argument, against the number 815, is that it would be so big in size it would not be possible to conduct healthy decisions and debates in Parliament. In the last few years, producitivity of Lok Sabha has come down because of the continous hampering by the opposition. The Lok Sabha would need to increase the number of sitting as well", says Tejasvi Surya.

Apr 16, 2026 01:51 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Congress party is the practitioner of politics of postponement'

The argument that the opposition is making is to frame a hybrid manner to bring at par the number of seats of the state with the GSDP of the state. It defeats the constitutional value of one person, one vote. This argument has no ground. Going by this logic, Mukesh Ambani would have 1 lakh votes whereas a poor man would have none. Second, GSDP or even GDP for that matter is ever evolving. This value is highly volatile. How could GSDP be the axis of representation of people. Congress party is the practitioner of politics of postponement.

Apr 16, 2026 01:46 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Opposition's argument is aimed at misleading people, says Tejasvi Surya

If delimitation were to be conducted purely on the basis of 2011 census, Tamil Nadu would not get 59 seats, as brought up in the bill. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh would be getting 27 seats. If you look at the number of seats through any other manner, all would lead to the same conclusion. Today, the share of the South Indian states in the overall scheme is 23.7% and it would continue. The halfway mark today is 202. The whole argument that the southern states are going to lose because of delimitation is a mischevious argument aimed at misleading people.

Apr 16, 2026 01:38 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Tejasvi Surya says proportionate increase in number of seats proposed

BJP MP Tejasvi Surva says as per Article 81 of the Indian Constitution, essentitally 550 seats have been frozen. As per 81(2) these seats shall be alloted to each state in such a manner that the ratio between the population of the states, overseen by the delimitation commission, and the seats in Parliament is proportional.

We have now proposed to increase the number of seats up to 50% taking the number of Lok Sabha seats to 815.

Apr 16, 2026 01:30 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'We support women's reservation, but remove it from the delimitation net'

"We are again saying we support women's reservation, but remove it from the delimitation net. Make it easier. Don't use women's reservation for political gains."

"As Rahul Gandhi has said that we are a union of states. You can't reduce the strength of states based on population. Hence, we demand discussion on delimitation. Accept our suggestions", says Gogoi.

Apr 16, 2026 01:29 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Tribes in Assam and Northeast are being exploited says Gogoi

"In our country, when states were formed, population was not seen, but language was seen. Linguistic reorganization was done. Ethnicity was seen," remarked Gogoi. "Tribes in Assam and Northeast are being exploited today. That they can raise their voice from Mizoram, Nagaland. There are several regions which are demanding separate statehood. Because of their population numbers, you are weakening them. As KC Venugopal said that Atal ji and Indira ji, who had frozen to restore fdereal balance on population census on 1976 and 2001. After much thought. You are deviating from that. Do you think you are bigger than Atal ji?" asked Gogoi.

Apr 16, 2026 01:15 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Govt is weakening the Constitution says Congress MP Gogoi

"You are weakening the Constitution through this women's reservation. It is says in Constitution that delimitation will be done based on latest census... How is this in favour of women. This Bill is anti-women, anti-caste census, federal structure of the country." "In our country, when states were formed, population was not seen, but language was seen. Linguistic reorganization was done. Ethnicity was seen," remarks Gogoi.

Apr 16, 2026 01:11 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'We have seen examples of Assam and J&K

"We have seen that delimitation is being made a tool. I want to give example of two states -- Assam and J&K. In J&K, when you did delimitation, you made a delimitation commission and you used census 2011. Second was in Assam. The delimitation was done based on 2001 census and done by ECI. In two states, delimitation was done on two different census... You are using delimitation to strengthen your political roots," says Gogoi.

"In Assam, one Lok Sabha has 14 lakh people and another 26 lakh people. Who is this for? Whose convenience is being ensured? Not the people. The delimitation has been done that one Vidhan Sabha has four Zila Parishad and in others, there are two," says Gogoi

Apr 16, 2026 01:07 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Gogoi questions proposal of inclusion of 815 Lok Sabha seats as part of Women's Reservation Bill

"What is this way -- that to implement women's reservation, you are bulldozing delimitation. Where did this figure of 815 members come from? who decided this number? The government itself saying that it will finish the COnstitutional amendment that women's reservation will be done after delimitation. Where did this number come from? Did it come from Nagpur, or RSS shakha... How can government decide this number. You will use delimitation as a tool. It can't become a tool as per the Constitution," says Gogoi.

"Your intention is not to implement women's reservation. If you were, you would have brought it immediately. And second thing is that you are not in favour of caste census," says Gogoi.

Apr 16, 2026 01:03 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Women's reservation would have been implemented in 2024'

Congress leader Gogoi says, Home Minister had then said that we will need a delimitation commission will be needed. I would like to repeat what the Home Minister had said... That as soon as Lok Sabha 2024 elections conclude, immediately a census will be done and delimitation will be done and women's reservation will be implemented, says Gogoi.

"If you had heard us in 2023, then women's reservation would have been implemneted in 2024. We support women's reservation in current strength of House of 543. But you do politics in everything -- you do symbolism. This is a backdoor bill for delimitation, not women's reservation. You have put a label of women's reservation on this delimitation."

Apr 16, 2026 12:56 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi says do not club women's reservation with delimitation

"I am here to represent my party here and express opposition. we heard the Law Minister. It seems like today is the day when women's reservation is being passed for the first time. But three years ago, when Home Minister had similar things. If you hear the speeches, the Law Minister repeated Home Minister had said three years ago."

"The same things were said. We had similar things then too. That we are in favour of women's reservation. But we had said that make women's reservation easier and implement it immediately. We had said the same thing then too. That we support women's reservation, but don't link it to delimitation."

Apr 16, 2026 12:52 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Meghwal requested the house to pass the bill unanimously

Meghwal recalled the names of women scholars in the Vedic period, famous queens in history, women social workers and women freedom fighters. He added that 15 women were also part of the Constituent Assembly. He requested the House to pass the Bill unanimously.

Apr 16, 2026 12:50 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Strength of Lok Sabha will be 815 as per Women's Reservation Bill

As per women reservation bill, strength of Lok Sabha will be 815 of which women quota will be of 272 seats: Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

(PTI)

Apr 16, 2026 12:47 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Bill was first introduced in 1996, became a reality in 2023'

This Bill was first introduced in 1996 when HD Devegowda was PM, Meghwal said, adding that it was then sent to a Parliamentary panel under Geeta Mukherjee. It was again attempted in 1998 and 1999 when Vajpayee was PM, and then when Manmohan Singh was PM, he added. It was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010, Meghwal recalled. He said that it finally became a reality when Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023.

After four decades, it was under PM Modi that Parliament approved of women's reservation, Meghwal said, adding that Parliament is meeting again for its implementation.

Apr 16, 2026 12:42 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Women's reservation bill would not harm men'

Law Minister Meghwal says the women's reservation bill does no harm to the rights of men whatsoever. Meghwal said that the opposition wanted quick implementation of the 2023 Act. However, since it was linked to the ongoing census, there would have been delay, he added. That is why, he underlined, the present bills have been introduced to provide reservation for women. He said that this required an increase of 50-% seats in the Lok Sabha, with one-third of these being reserved for women. Meghwal said it would harm neither men nor any state, adding that the proportion of seats allocated to all states would remain the same.

Apr 16, 2026 12:36 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Law Minister Meghwal says women had to wait 144 yrs to get a right to vote in the US

It was firm resolve and devotion for Matri Shakti in the mind of Modi that made this possible, he said. As regards political justice, Babasaheb Ambedkar gave voting right to women, Meghwal asserted. He said Ambedkar measured the progress of a community as per women's progress there. Meghwal said that while women had to wait for 144 years to get voting rights in the US, India gave voting rights to women right in the beginning. These bills complete political justice for women, Meghwal underlined.

Apr 16, 2026 12:31 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Law Minister says Constitution gives us the power to amend it

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal says today is the time to implement the historic decision of 2023. Article 368 (2) of the constitution gives Parliament the power to amend the constitution, says Meghwal. Women members had raised this matter even in the Constituent Assembly since 1949, the minister said. He said that social justice is an important part of the constitution. Under PM Modi, he added, the speed and scale of social justice for women has increased.

As far as economic justice is concerned, the coming of Modi govt saw visible changes in economic justice for women, Meghwal asserted.

Apr 16, 2026 12:27 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Amit Shah says opposition has decided to oppose everything

"During their meeting, they have decided that they will oppose everything and so they are doing it," says Shah. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju says that voting on the three Bills will be held at 4 pm on Friday. Plenty of time will be alloted for discussion on all three bills till then, speaker Om Birla informed.

Apr 16, 2026 12:22 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: KC Venugopal opposes the clubbing of the three bills

KC Venugopal opposes the clubbing of the three bills. Amit Shah replies: "He has raised two issues. Voting is different on constitutional amendment and it is different in a Bill."

"The three Bills -- one constitutional amendment and one two other Bills. After constitution is amended, the women's reservation can be taken to logical end. In a way after constitutional amendment, the need that rises, these Bills have been brought for that." says Shah.

"When the three Bills are passed, then voting will be separate for them," says Shah.

Apr 16, 2026 12:20 PM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 3 bills introduced in the Lok Sabha

After voting, all three bills, ‘The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026’, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ and‘The Delimitation Bill, 2026’ were introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Apr 16, 2026 11:59 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Divison of votes on the introduction of three bills in the Lok Sabha

During the voting, 207 votes were in favour while 126 were in opposition of the discussion of the bill. A total of 333 members voted with no abstentions. The bill will be discussed over 3 days in a special sitting of the Parliament.

Apr 16, 2026 11:54 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Secretary General gives instruction for votes on divison of votes

The division of votes will ascertain whether the House backs introduction of the Bills.

Apr 16, 2026 11:53 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: K Radhakrishnan of CPI (M) opposes introduction of the Bills

K Radhakrishnan of CPI (M) opposes introduction of the Bills, saying that it undermines cooperative federalism.

Apr 16, 2026 11:52 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Amit Shahs says census 2027 is underway, will go with caste enumeration

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Census 2027 is underway. We have decided to go for caste enumeration."

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Apr 16, 2026 11:43 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Owaisi quotes Sahir Ludhiyanwi while opposing the bill

Owaisi says the bill violents the consitutional fervor and the spirit of federalism. He says the bill is in violation od the basic structure of the constitution. He adds that by removing the delimitation freeze, the government is denying states with lower populations their fair share. He adds that a minister has to give seven days' notice to introduce a Bill, which has been violated. He says that he will ask for division on this Bill.

Apr 16, 2026 11:42 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: DMK MP TR Baalu opposed the introduction of the bill

TR Baalu of the DMK rises to oppose the introduction of the three "sandwich" Bills. He says that the DMK is with the women's Bill as passed in 2023. It was not necessary to bring another Bill, he adds. MK Stalin has shown black flags and burnt the Bill, he adds.

Apr 16, 2026 11:41 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: MP NK Premchandran questions legislative competence of the bill

NK Premchandran questions the legislative competence of the constitutional amendment Bill, as it is for delimitation and not for women's reservation. He says that the 2023 Act is already in existence for women's reservation.

Apr 16, 2026 11:40 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar opposes introduction of bill

Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar of TMC rises to oppose the introduction of the Bill.

Apr 16, 2026 11:39 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Akhilesh Yadav says aren't Muslim women part of 'aadhi aabaadi'

Akhilesh seeks to know whether Muslim women are not part of aadhi aabaadi? Shah retorts that SP can give all its tickets to Muslim women if it wants. Akhilesh says that when the PM wanted the vote of backwards he said that he comes from a backward caste.

Apr 16, 2026 11:35 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Amit Shah says census has begun in India

Akhilesh Yadav says that they are in a tearing hurry because if census happens, caste count will happen, and then SP will ask for representation. Amit Shah says that what has been said is a matter of concern. He adds that the census has started and the government has already decided to enumerate caste. Right now houses are being counted, Shah adds, and houses don't have castes. He adds that when population will be counted, there will be a column of caste. Shah says that any reservation on religious grounds is unconstitutional.

Apr 16, 2026 11:29 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: 'Speaking of Muslim women's reservation is unconstitutional'

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju says that speaking of Muslim women's reservation is unconstitutional, as reservation cannot be granted on grounds of religion. Talk about women of the whole country and not about Muslim women alone, Rijiju says.

Apr 16, 2026 11:27 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Speaker Om Birla asks whether the opposition is against women's reservation.

Amit Shah says that Venugopal can mention technical objections alone against the introduction of the Bill and cannot speak on the merits of the Bill before its introduction. Venugopal says that the government itself had introduced the 2023 Bill and now it is saying it cannot happen as per it. He said that the intention is to take away the protections offered by Indira Gandhi and Vajpayee -- a tacit reference to the 1976 and 2001 freeze on delimitation -- and hijack the process. He demands that the Bills be withdrawn.

Apr 16, 2026 11:20 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill tabled

Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal seeks permission to introduce the The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026. INC leader KC Venugopal objects to the introduction of these bills.

KC Venugopal of the Congress opposes introduction of the three Bills. He calls it an attack on the federal structure. The Congress had asked the government to implement women's reservation in 2024 itself.

Apr 16, 2026 11:00 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Congress leader Manish Tewari says delimitation bill dressed up as a women's reservation bill

On the implementation of the women's reservation law, Congress leader Manish Tewari says, "It is a delimitation bill dressed up as a women's reservation bill. If the government were serious about reservation, let them delink it from delimitation and bring a standalone bill on women's reservation."

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Apr 16, 2026 10:57 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: AIADMK's national spokesperson suggested to not make any changes to TN's representation

The principal opposition AIADMK has suggested not to make any changes in the Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha representation of 7.2 per cent, the party's national spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said on Thursday and flayed the ruling DMK for "concealing the truth".

During the all-party meet convened by the DMK on delimitation, the AIADMK, as the principal opposition party suggested not to make any changes in the TN Lok Sabha representation of 7.2 per cent, he said.

(PTI)

Apr 16, 2026 10:39 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says Tamil Nadu CM playing politics

On DMK President and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is playing politics and is misguided by some people here. Nobody is against the women's reservation, but they are going to use some excuse to defeat, which should not be done. If you want to defeat the women's reservation by using some pretext, it will be the most unfortunate moment... So, Tamil Nadu or any state should not worry. They should not misguide and mislead the people. That's my appeal... Every state, every union territory of India, need not worry. Everybody will be given a fair chance, representation and opportunities..."

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Apr 16, 2026 10:34 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says not against women's reservation but the haste of it

On Women's Reservation Bill, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "We are not against women’s reservation. However, we oppose the haste and the manner in which it is being introduced. Once a census is conducted, the country will demand a caste census. And once a caste census is carried out, the country will demand reservations. This is what they are trying to avoid. These people are against the poor, Dalits, Muslims, backward classes, and women. If we look at the data in the country, there is a greater need for protection along with reservation.

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Apr 16, 2026 10:29 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Congress Lok Sabha member Hibi Eden submits notice to oppose three bills

Congress Lok Sabha member Hibi Eden has submitted a notice to oppose the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-first Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Apr 16, 2026 10:09 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Meeting of Opposition leaders ahead of key session

A meeting of Opposition floor leaders is scheduled at 10 am at Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s office in the Parliament complex.

Apr 16, 2026 10:08 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh says debate is inevitable if bills being presented under a disguise

On the implementation of the women's reservation law, Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh says, "If the bill is being implemented with the right intent, then there is absolutely no problem. But under the disguise of the women's reservation bill, if other bills are implemented, then a debate is inevitable."

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Apr 16, 2026 10:01 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says three bills related to delimitation

Congress leader and member of Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh said the three bills are being presented as women’s reservation but are linked to delimitation. He claimed the proposals could favour BJP-strong populous states and reduce representation of others.

He also criticised past delimitation exercises in Assam and J&K. Ramesh said the intent behind the Bills is “mischievous” and should be opposed.

He reiterated the demand for reserving one-third of 543 Lok Sabha seats for women, including SC, ST and OBC quotas.

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Apr 16, 2026 09:23 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput says BJP is an anti-women party

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput on Women's Reservation Bill says, "All parties want the women's reservation to be passed, but the BJP is an anti-women party. The main issue is that if they discriminate against the southern or northeastern states in the delimitation process, it will definitely be opposed. Delimitation should basically be done as per the 2026 census, not as per the 2011 census."

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Apr 16, 2026 09:16 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske says Women's Reservation bill initiative for equality

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said, "Women's Reservation bill NDA's initiative for equality of women in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha."

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Apr 16, 2026 09:13 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: Stalin burns copy of delimitation bill, terms it 'black law'

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday burnt a copy of the proposed delimitation bill, calling it a 'black law' and claiming it would turn Tamils into 'refugees' in their own land.

He raised a black flag and shouted slogans against the move in Namakkal, where he is campaigning, just hours before Parliament’s special session began. Supporters dressed in black joined him in the protest.

In a statement, Stalin said the protest would spark wider resistance across Tamil Nadu. He compared it to the anti-Hindi agitations of the 1960s and said the state would strongly oppose what he described as the Centre’s actions.

(PTI)

Apr 16, 2026 08:58 AM IST
Parliament special sitting LIVE updates: PM Modi says India set to take historic step

PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said India is set to take a “historic step” towards women’s empowerment as the special Parliament session begins.

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