Cong issues whip to party MPs ahead of women quota changes

The party said key issues would be discussed and put to vote over the three days and instructed its members to be in attendance from 11 am until adjournment without exception. The directive asked MPs to adhere to the party’s position during the proceedings and described the whip as “most important”.

The communication underlined the significance of the upcoming session, with the Congress preparing to take a clear stand on the proposed changes to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’. The legislation provides for one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, with its implementation currently proposed from 2029.

The Centre has extended the Budget session and scheduled a special three-day sitting of Parliament from April 16 to 18 to consider amendments linked to the rollout of the law. The move comes amid ongoing political debate over the timing and framework of implementation, including issues related to delimitation and broader consultation.

The Congress has been maintaining that while it supports women’s reservation, the process of implementation should involve wider discussions with all political parties and stakeholders, given its long-term implications for representation in Parliament.