The Indian Parliament has extended its budget session for three days to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Empowerment Act) Amendment Bill, which proposes a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
The bill, which was passed in 2023, aims to increase the Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 reserved for women.
However, the opposition, led by the Congress, has questioned the Centre's motive for pushing the amendment at this time, alleging that it is for "political mileage" ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
The bill requires a special majority to pass, including a two-thirds vote, and the BJP has issued a whip for its parliamentarians to be present in the house from April 16 to 18.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has appealed to MPs to avoid bringing posters and banners inside the house during the special session.
