- Lok Sabha debates introduce women’s reservation bill, 33% quota from 2029.
- SP MP demands OBC and Muslim women quotas, citing inclusivity.
- Home Minister Amit Shah rejects religion-based reservation as unconstitutional.
A sharp exchange broke out in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, April 16, as three bills to amend the women’s reservation framework were introduced, setting off an intense debate over the scope of quotas.
The proposed changes, once cleared, will implement 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha from the 2029 general elections.
Debate Intensifies Over Sub-Quota Demand
The discussion took a contentious turn when Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav demanded separate provisions for OBC women and Muslim women within the reservation structure.
He questioned why there was no specific provision addressing these groups.
‘No Provision For Religion-Based Reservation’: Amit Shah
Responding to the demand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Constitution does not allow reservations on the basis of religion.
He stated that “the Constitution does not provide for reservations based on religion” and made it clear that the government would not accept any proposal for reservations for Muslims, calling it “against the Constitution itself.”
War Of Words In The House
The exchange escalated further when Yadav asked, “How is my statement unconstitutional? Should Muslim women not be considered women?”
Shah responded, “We have no objection. If the Samajwadi Party wishes, it can give all the tickets to Muslim women.”
Key Provisions Of The Bills
Among the three bills introduced is a constitutional amendment proposing an increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha.
The bill seeks to raise the number of seats from 543 to 850, with 815 seats for states and 35 for Union Territories.
The delimitation exercise will be based on the 2011 Census, and the government has stated that each state will see a 50 per cent increase in seats.
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