Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die.

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die.

The Opposition will write a letter to PM Modi demanding the implementation of the previous women's reservation bill, sources said.

Parties belonging to the INDIA Alliance will hold press conferences across the country to state that while they support women's reservation, the government was attempting to alter the country's political landscape under its guise, they added.

Priyanka Gandhi is expected to hold a press conference today.

The third and final day of the special session proceedings begin.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Parliament for the third and final day of the special session.

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday asserted that the fallout from the defeat of the delimitation bill in the Lok Sabha has exposed the BJP’s “discomfort” in full public view.

In a post on X, Banerjee said, “The fallout from the defeat of the Delimitation Bill in the Lok Sabha is exposing the BJP’s discomfort for all to see.” Referring to the development in Lok Sabha, Banerjee said the bill was rejected by the opposition INDIA bloc over concerns about fairness.

“The attempt to expand the Lok Sabha to 850 seats and push delimitation based on the 2011 Census raised serious concerns about fairness and balance,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday expressed happiness over the non-passage of the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, declaring that the "bill against Tamil Nadu" has been defeated in Parliament and this victory is just a trailer of the State Assembly election.

He further declared that DMK will win more than 200 seats in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu polls.

"The bill that came against Tamil Nadu has been defeated in Parliament is the news we got now. This victory is just a trailer. Next coming election is going to come. I've said it's Tamil Nadu vs Delhi. We are going to win in more than 200 seats. Let us work continuously and win," said Stalin.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said a united opposition has defeated the BJP-led government's "nefarious attempt" to carry out delimitation by using half of India's population as a shield to harm the country's democracy.

"Modi-Shah tried to carry out delimitation by using half of the country's population as a shield and made a nefarious attempt to harm this country's democracy, Constitution and federalism," Kharge said in a post in Hindi on X.

"Their cunning ploy was sniffed out by a united opposition -- INDIA -- and the Constitution amendment bill was defeated. We express heartfelt thanks to all the leaders of the opposition parties," the Congress president said.

आज लोकसभा में बहुत अजीब दृश्य दिखा।
नारी शक्ति वंदन अधिनियम के लिए जरूरी संविधान संशोधन बिल को कांग्रेस, TMC, DMK और समाजवादी पार्टी ने पारित नहीं होने दिया। महिलाओं को 33% आरक्षण देने के बिल को गिरा देना, उसका उत्साह मनाना और जयनाद करना सचमुच निंदनीय और कल्पना से परे है।
अब…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 17, 2026

संशोधन विधेयक गिर गया।
उन्होंने महिलाओं के नाम पर, संविधान को तोड़ने के लिए, असंवैधानिक तरकीब का इस्तेमाल किया।
भारत ने देख लिया।
INDIA ने रोक दिया।
जय संविधान।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 17, 2026

After the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to pass in Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "This was not about women's reservation but democracy. We can never agree to linking delimitation with women's reservation. It was not possible that this bill would pass. This is a big win for democracy in our country."

"Those who did not take any action in Hathras, Unnao and Manipur are talking about an anti-women mindset?"

लोक सभा की कार्यवाही कल तक के लिए स्थगित.#LokSabha #NariShakti pic.twitter.com/z21eYVAjqy

— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) April 17, 2026

लोक सभा की कार्यवाही कल तक के लिए स्थगित.#LokSabha #NariShakti pic.twitter.com/z21eYVAjqy

— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) April 17, 2026

Centre will not move ahead with the Delimitation Bill and another Bill to amend the women's quota in Union Territories after the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill.

After Amit Shah concluded his speech in Lok Sabha, the House proceeded to vote on the amendments to the 3 key bills. 

Out of 489 members who participated, 298 members voted in favour of the bills, and 230 members opposed them.

Lok Sabha is voting on constitutional amendments related to women's reservation and delimitation.

"Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala - the strength of these five states in the 543 parliamentary seats is currently 129, which is 23.76%. After a 50% increase, when we allocate seats for these five states, it will rise from 129 to 195, representing 23.87% of the 816 seats. No one will be at a loss," Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Some members here have spread the misconception that reservation will also be given to Muslim women. I want to clarify that the Constitution does not allow reservations based on religion."

Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing them of a historical bias against caste-based census and OBC reservations. Shah said that it was only under the BJP that India saw an OBC Prime Minister in Narendra Modi. He further alleged that while Congress focuses solely on winning elections, the current government prioritises genuine public representation and participation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "To make sure that there is no confusion in the minds of 140 crore Indians, I want to make it clear that the Narendra Modi Cabinet had decided to hold caste census along with 2026 census."

Home Minister Amit Shah said in the Lok Sabha on Friday that southern states will not see a reduction in their parliamentary seats after delimitation. 

“I want to make it clear that South representation will not come down post delimitation, I can guarantee that,” he said. 

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Home Minister argued that the wide gap between the number of voters per MP across different states needs correction. "In some states, an MP represents lakhs; in others, just thousands," he said. Shah defended the move by recalling that the Lok Sabha was last expanded (from 522 to 543 seats) under Indira Gandhi’s government in 1972.

Replying to the debate on the amendment to the women's quota law on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the three bills seek to ensure the 2029 Lok Sabha polls are held with women's reservation.

Amit Shah said that people opposing delimitation are against an increase in the number of SC and ST seats.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah says Congress is not against the implementation of the quota law but against women's reservation. 

"No one has objected to the women's reservation. But, if we see closely, all members of the INDI alliance have opposed it by using 'ifs and buts'," Amit Shah said.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/B1FxfWFQ9N

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 17, 2026

On Rahul Gandhi's speech in Parliament, Union Minister & LJP MP Chirag Paswan says, "Today, he has lowered the dignity of the post of Leader of Opposition...You cross the limits when you give examples, connecting them to the PM. What kind of example are you setting for the first-time MPs of your party? Somewhere, he made himself a laughing stock in front of his own MPs... I am very disappointed with his speech. In a democracy, the opposition has a crucial role, but if the LoP wants to make a mockery of himself, if he just wants to deliver comedy speeches, then I don't think he is fit to be the Leader of the Opposition..."

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Friday asserted that the proposed delimitation bill will be defeated in Parliament.

Addressing reporters here, he said, "Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, and Akhilesh Yadav will ensure its defeat," and added that the bill cannot be passed if all opposition leaders unite.

Describing the projected increase of Tamil Nadu's representation in Lok Sabha from 39 to 59 due to the constitutional amendment bill as an "illusion", the former union minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were presenting "half-truths" on seat increase.

 "It was such a headache to listen to him. He is going through his childhood traumas adn through the magic show he witnessed in his childhood. It was a nuisance. The Chair also asked him to stop. He has made a mockery of the Parliament," said BJP MP Kangana Ranaut.

On Rahul Gandhi's speech in Lok Sabha, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "It was such a headache to listen to him. He is going through his childhood traumas, and through the magic show he witnessed in his childhood. It was a nuisance. The Chair also asked him to stop. He has made a mockery of the Parliament."

"You are telling the south Indian, the north-eastern states and small states in India that for the BJP to remain in power, we are going to take away representation from you. This is nothing short of an anti-national act. And we are not going to allow you to do this," said Rahul Gandhi.

"The leader of the party I belong to is not present in the house. Also, the newly appointed deputy leader of the party I belong to is absent from the house. I am the recently removed deputy leader of the party; I am present in the house... I congratulate Harivansh ji on his third innings as the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha. My relation with him has been a sweet and sour one... I will try to turn this into a sweet relationship during his tenure here... I would also congratulate you, speaker (C. P. Radhakrishnan). Ever since you have taken charge, we MPs get adequate time to speak in the House during the Zero Hour session," said AAP MP Raghav Chadha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the voting on the women's quota bill, appealed to the MPs to "reflect upon their conscience" and remember the women in their families.

"The legislation to ensure women’s reservation in legislative bodies is a significant opportunity to do justice to women of our nation. Please do not deprive our Nari Shakti of new opportunities," he said.

The PM added, "If this amendment is passed unanimously, it will further empower the women of our country and strengthen our democracy. Let us come together today to create history. Let us ensure that the women of India, who are half of the nation’s population, receive their rightful due." 

I would like to appeal to all Members of Parliament…
Please reflect upon your conscience, remembering the women in your own families.
The legislation to ensure women’s reservation in legislative bodies is a significant opportunity to do justice to women of our nation.
Please…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2026

Rahul Gandhi, while addressing in Lok Sabha, said that the women's quota bill is meant to "sideline the caste census".

"Everyone knows the kind of discrimination faced by OBCs, Dalits, minority communities, and women in Indian society. This bill is meant to sideline the caste census. It prioritizes Manuvad (political and social ideology based on the Manusmriti) over the Constitution," he said.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the Centre over the women's quota bill in the Lok Sabha, saying it is "not a women's bill" and that it has "nothing to do with women's empowerment".

"The Women's Reservation Bill was passed in 2023. This is an attempt to change India's electoral map under the guise of women's rights. Bring back the old bill, we'll support it," he said.

Rahul Gandhi, as he began his address on the women's quota bill in Lok Sabha, shared a light-hearted moment. "Both me and PM Modi don't have a wife issue," he joked. 

Special session of Parliament | Speaker Om Birla, LoP Rahul Gandhi share a light-hearted moment in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/aflHo1kDUk

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 17, 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses Lok Sabha on women's quota bill.

Watch live:

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day. The proceedings will begin tomorrow at 11 am.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated Harivansh Singh on his unopposed election as the Rajya Sabha chairman for third time. "We have once again got the opportunity to sit with you in the Rajya Sabha chamber. You are the first nominated member to assume this position; this is an example worth emulating," he said.

Kharge, then said that he is "pained" by the fact that the post of Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha has been vacant since 2019 - "which goes against the spirit of the Constitution".

"We talk about democracy, but for the past 7 years, we have not been able to elect even one Deputy Speaker. We hope that the Deputy Chairman Sir will take care of the opposition and give them adequate time in the House," he said. 

मैं उपसभापति महोदय को उनके तीसरे कार्यकाल के लिए बधाई और शुभकामनाएं देना चाहता हूँ।
हमें फिर से राज्यसभा कक्ष में आपके साथ बैठने का अवसर मिला है। आप इस पद को ग्रहण करने वाले पहले मनोनीत सदस्य हैं, ये एक मिसाल है।
हमें इस बात से तकलीफ है कि लोकसभा में 2019 से ही डिप्टी स्पीकर… pic.twitter.com/J69QelQERC

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 17, 2026

Home Minister Amit Shah, along with other BJP leaders, was seen smiling against whom a back-handed compliment, and with a smile thrown in, was directed by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi. 

"He is laughing," Priyanka Gandhi, participating in the debate on the three bills introduced for amendments in the women's-quota law and setting up a delimitation commission, said referring to Amit Shah.

"Grahmantri ji has rahe hain. Poori yojana bana rakhi hai, Chanakya agar jinda hote toh woh bhi chauk jaate aapki rajnitik kutilta par (The Home Minister is laughing. The whole plan is made. If Chanakya were alive today, he would have also been shocked by your political shrewdness)," Priyanka Gandhi said in jest, questioning the political intent behind the timing and framing of the Women's Reservation Bill.

"He (Shah) made the whole plan and he is laughing now. He agrees with me," the Congress leader said.

The Chanakya comment drew a smile from the Home Minister, who did not appear to take offense.

Telangana Jagruthi chief K Kavitha on Thursday demanded delinking of the delimitation exercise -- which intends to redraw parliamentary constituency boundaries to reflect population changes -- with the Women's Reservation Bill, alleging that the BJP-led central government lacks "sincerity" regarding providing a 33 per cent quota to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Speaking exclusively to NDTV's Managing Editor Padmaja Joshi on Thursday, she said she fears that the Women's Reservation Bill might get stuck in political and legal tangles and remain a "post-dated cheque" forever.

"First of all, the bill was already passed. At that time, they had promised us that they would do it after the 2027 census. Now they are linking this to delimitation. It looks like the Women's Reservation Bill will remain a post-dated cheque forever... Delimitation is not something many parties agree on. When the reservation bill was linked to the census, we were all hoping and praying that OBC women would also get their sub quota within. Now looks like that will remain a dream, and the whole reservation bill itself will be stalled. Because looking at the numbers, delimitation will not go through, and even if it is passed, there could be some legal hurdles...The BJP appears to be insincere in giving reservations to women," she said.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said the Centre's Women's Reservation Bill has sparked a "great enthusiasm among women".

"PM Modi has made the impossible possible by getting this bill, stuck for 30 years, passed," she said. 

#WATCH Delhi: On the Women's Reservation Bill, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "Hearty congratulations to all women... This bill has sparked great enthusiasm among women. PM Modi has made the impossible possible by getting this bill, stuck for 30 years, passed..." pic.twitter.com/X9VCUHKO30

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed the Centre over the delimitation bill, calling it a "shift in political power". 

"Women's quota is linked to delimitation. It's a political demonetisation," he said.

Watch live: 

🔴Watch LIVE | Special session of Parliament: Debate continues as Lok Sabha is all set to vote today on Women's Reservation, Delimitation bills https://t.co/433w7iOr99

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 17, 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin opposes delimitation bill, demands its withdrawal.

"The Union BJP Government must completely withdraw the Delimitation Bill! Today is a crucial day in Tamil Nadu's politics. It is the day we will learn the outcome of our struggles against delimitation. Following our fierce opposition and protests, the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have yesterday provided a verbal assurance in Parliament that Tamil Nadu's constituency size will not be reduced," he wrote in a post on X.

தொகுதி மறுவரையறைச் சட்டத் திருத்தத்தை ஒன்றிய பா.ஜ.க. அரசு மொத்தமாகத் திரும்பப் பெற வேண்டும்!
தமிழ்நாட்டின் அரசியலுக்கு மிக முக்கியமான நாள் இன்று. தொகுதி மறுவரையறைக்கு எதிரான நம் போராட்டங்களின் முடிவினை அறியப் போகும் நாள்.
நம்முடைய கடும் எதிர்ப்பினையும் போராட்டத்தினையும்… https://t.co/MxXNNgZwNH pic.twitter.com/uvSHcMhe1U

— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) April 17, 2026

PM Modi congratulated Rajya Sabha MP Harivansh Narayan Singh on his unopposed election as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. "Being elected as Deputy Chairman for the third consecutive term is a testament to the deep trust this House has in you, the benefits the House has received from your experience over the past period, and your efforts to take everyone along. We have all seen the strength of the House grow even more effective under Harivansh's leadership. Not only does he conduct the proceedings of the House, but he also uses his past experiences to enrich the House with great precision," he said.

The PM added, "I am confident that the Deputy Chairman's new term will proceed with the same spirit, balance, and dedication. Through the efforts of all of us, the dignity of the House will reach new heights."

#WATCH | Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Harivansh Narayan Singh elected unopposed as the Dy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi says, "Being elected as Deputy Chairman for the third consecutive term is a testament to the deep trust this House has in you, the benefits… pic.twitter.com/GjLNAabwHS

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026

Nominated Rajya Sabha MP Harivansh Narayan Singh has been elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha. https://t.co/0MhP3145LO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2026

The second day of the special session in Parliament begins.

The Opposition INDIA bloc held a meeting today ahead of the Day 2 of the special session of Parliament. For the first time, the BJD also participated in the meeting.

The INDIA bloc MPs are scheduled to hold a meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's chamber in Parliament at 10 am on Friday to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House.

This comes as Lok Sabha today is set to continue discussion and vote on the passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and State Assemblies, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 extending it to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, and the Delimitation Bill, which is set to increase and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies, increasing them up to 850.

(ANI)

Lok Sabha proceedings have been extended till 1 am amid debate over Women's Reservation Bill.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Thursday used a Bollywood reference to criticise the Congress party for questioning the government's decision to introduce a bill amending the women's reservation law.

Lok Sabha proceedings have been extended till midnight amid debate over Women's Reservation Bill.

"If these three bills become law, the opposition's voice will be reduced to nothing in this House. If you read this Constitution Amendment Bill along with the Delimitation Bill, seats will be allocated based on population. Those with larger populations will receive more seats, those with smaller populations will receive fewer. Delimitation will not happen every 10 years. It will not be based on the census. Rather, the government will decide whether or not delimitation will happen... The reality will be that the north will rule over the south, the north will spend, and the south will provide. The southern states account for 30 per cent of the country's GDP, and 21 per cent of the country's tax revenue comes from the south... The south is being punished for good governance," said AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi

The government has said it is necessary to link the two, i.e., delimitation and reservation of seats for women, to operationalise the 33 per cent quota plan by 2029, when the next Lok Sabha election will be held.

"I would also like to tell all the members of this House that we should not live in any illusion or arrogance. I am using the word 'we' I am not speaking in terms of 'I' and 'you'. We should not live under the illusion that we are giving something to the women power of the country. It is their right and we have stopped it for several decades and today, this is our opportunity to be free from sin," said PM Modi.

"If the word 'guarantee' is required, I use the word 'guarantee'. If you talk about a promise, I use the word 'promise'. If there is a better word in Tamil, I am also ready to use that. If the intent is clear, then we do not need to play games with words," PM Modi said.

"I want to say responsibly today that this will not discriminate against anyone. This decision process will not be unfair to anyone. The government that was in power earlier, the delimitation of the seats, and the ratio that has been in place since then, will remain unchanged, and the ratio will remain the same," said PM Modi

"I guarantee that conditions that have been laid down, and provisions that have been applied to those concerned, the discipline that has been in place since then will continue, and there will be no change in that discipline. It will remain within that same framework": PM Modi pic.twitter.com/5lPPWNarUS

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 16, 2026

"Won't Be Any Discrimination": PM's Guarantee On Women's Quota, Delimitation

"Should Have Implemented It 25-30 Years Ago": PM Modi On Women's Quota In Parliament

PM Modi on women's reservation and delimitation: "I said at the outset that we are all fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in such an important, nation-building process involving half the country's population... We MPs must not let this important opportunity slip away. Together, we Indians are going to give the country a new direction. We are going to make a meaningful effort to infuse our governance system with sensitivity. This will not only shape the nation's politics, but it will also determine the direction and condition of the country..."

#WATCH | Speaking in Lok Sabha on women's reservation and delimitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "I said at the outset that we are all fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in such an important, nation-building process involving half the country's… pic.twitter.com/KmgfLnIkZZ

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2026

"Viksit Bharat does not mean only good infrastructure or economic development. We want the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' to be reflected in the policymaking of a developed India. Fifty percent of the country's population should be made a part of decision-making. This is the need of the hour," PM Modi.

#ViksitBharat does not mean only good infrastructure or economic development.
We want the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ to be reflected in the policymaking of a developed India.
Fifty percent of the country’s population should be made a part of decision-making. This is… pic.twitter.com/Q0J7n3qJdM

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2026

"India is the mother of democracy. In this journey of development, we have been given a sacred opportunity to add a new dimension. We are fortunate that we have got the chance to include half of the country's population in the decision-making process of nation-building," PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Those who opposed giving this right to women have not been forgiven by the women of this country. They have faced the consequences.
If we all move forward together, this decision will not go in favour of any one political party, but in favour of the country’s democracy.
- PM… pic.twitter.com/tEY66H7Zhi

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 16, 2026

PM Modi speaks in Parliament during the special three-day session on women's reservation and delimitation pic.twitter.com/q3m7Q1T6pr

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2026

"Delimitation should be conducted after census," said Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav during the Special Session Of Parliament

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav during the Special Session Of Parliament said that the government in the country wants to delay caste census

On Women's Reservation Bill, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says, "The issue is very simple. The government has a plan to redelimit the constituency and increase the number of seats in areas where the ruling party is strong. They are using women's reservation as an excuse to bring about that change by trying to amend the constitutional amendments that they had already brought in 2023."

VIDEO | Delhi: On Women's Reservation Bill, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says, "The issue is very simple. The government has a plan to redelimit the constituency and increase the number of seats in areas where the ruling party is strong. They are using women's reservation as an… pic.twitter.com/zbuTC2B6JA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2026

#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On Women's Reservation Bill, BJP MLA Maithili Thakur says, "I congratulate all the women. Our PM is about to take a historic step, and its positive impact will be seen in the Lok Sabha elections. The issues relating to women will be raised in the House.… pic.twitter.com/WZGs8ojSam

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2026

Delhi: On the Women's Reservation Bill, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav says, "It was earlier stated that first a census would be conducted, and only after that would delimitation take place. Only then would constituencies for women be created. However, this first step in the… pic.twitter.com/WUXC7u18fk

— IANS (@ians_india) April 16, 2026

Former Odisha CM and current LoP Naveen Patnaik writes a letter to all the MPs of Odisha regarding the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill. pic.twitter.com/ZxSNeD5Pdo

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2026

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya during the Special Session Of Parliament said, "Today, they are out there in Tamil Nadu doing drama by burning a constitutional amendment bill. Let there be a limit to your hypocrisy. Let there be a limit to the hypocrisy of the DMK now." 

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya during the Special Session Of Parliament said, "The opposition does not come prepared for debates, and even if they do come prepared for debates, they behave in a manner as though that they don't understand because the object is not to understand. The object is to oppose for the sake of opposing."

Special Session Of Parliament | "272 seats will be reserved for women" : Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal pic.twitter.com/jWMRmcASZK

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 16, 2026

Special session Of Parliament | "Do not link women quota to delimitation" : Senior Congress leader and MP Gaurav Gogoi pic.twitter.com/vSLv4IdaCW

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 16, 2026

Voting on the three bills in Lok Sabha to amend the women's quota law and set up a delimitation commission will be held at 4 PM Friday, according to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Birla said there would be a debate of around 15-18 hours on the bills as voting would take place on 4 PM on Friday.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju suggested a 12-hour debate on the bills but said the decision to extend that would be taken by the Speaker.

(PTI)

Special Session Of Parliament: Amit Shah vs Akhilesh Yadav Over Quota Within Quota For Muslim Womenhttps://t.co/BtFv626x4X pic.twitter.com/VvkKuyKzza

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 16, 2026

#WATCH Delhi: On the Women's Reservation Bill, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey says, "The Women's Reservation Bill should be passed, this is a historic bill... I urge all political parties to end the tensions of North-South... India belongs to Indians. We want to give reservations to… pic.twitter.com/OAVc4NzzNi

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2026

#WATCH | Delhi | On the Women's Reservation Bill, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal Singh says, "This is historic for women and the country... The government had decided to implement it before 2029. On this basis, we have brought the amendment bill today... What the opposition is saying… pic.twitter.com/7mqa7bz9IR

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2026

A sharp exchange unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Thursday as Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the Centre's urgency in introducing the Women's Reservation Bill, raising concerns over the absence of a recent Census and alleging that the government is avoiding a caste-based enumeration.

Participating in the debate, Akhilesh Yadav said, "Why is the Centre rushing for women's reservation? Start with the Census first," while reiterating that his party supports women's reservation in principle but opposes its implementation through delimitation.

He further alleged that the government is deliberately delaying the Census to avoid triggering demands for a caste census and an expansion of reservations.

He remarked, "They are delaying the census because when it happens, we will ask for the caste-based census, and they don't want it."

Responding to the criticism, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Census exercise has already begun and assured the House that a caste-based Census would also be conducted.

"The Census process has already started across the country, and after that, we will also conduct a caste-based census. Currently, the House Listing is underway; homes don't belong to a certain caste. If SP has its way, it will designate a caste to homes also. I want to assure the House that the Census is going to happen with the caste census as well," Shah said, taking a swipe at the opposition.

(IANS)

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on Thursday said that while his party supports the Women's Reservation Bill, it opposes the proposed delimitation exercise. He added that the INDIA bloc would vote against the delimitation-related proposal, asserting that the government may not have sufficient numbers to pass it.

Speaking to reporters, Karti Chidambaram said, "The timing of the Parliament session itself is very devious. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are yet to go to the polls, and we are in the middle of an election campaign. In order to disrupt the campaign of the principal political parties in these states, which are clearly opposed to the BJP, the government has convened a Parliament session on the 16th, 17th, and 18th. This clearly reflects the government's underhanded agenda."

He further stated, "We will all support the Women's Reservation Bill, but delimitation is another questionable move by the government. We will oppose this Bill. Our voices are not adequately heard in Parliament, and if the strength of the House is increased to 850, we will have even less time to raise issues. While we support providing greater representation to women within the current strength of the House, we do not support increasing its size to 850."

Chidambaram reiterated that the INDIA bloc would stand united in opposing the delimitation proposal.

(IANS)

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Thursday said the Opposition has decided to boycott the election of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman scheduled for April 17.

Taking to social media platform X, Ramesh outlined the reasons behind the decision.

"First, the Modi Govt has not appointed a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for 7 years. This has never happened before," he said.

"Second, the Deputy Speaker's counterpart in the Rajya Sabha is the Deputy Chairman. Shri Harivansh's second term ended on April 9th. A day later he was nominated by the President of India as a member of the Rajya Sabha and he is now the NDA's candidate for Deputy Chairman for a third term. Never before has a person nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha been considered for the post of its Deputy Chairman," he added.

Ramesh further alleged that the process lacked consultation.

"Third, all this is being done without any meaningful consultations with the Opposition. For these three reasons and as a mark of protest - but not with any disrespect to the very learned Shri Harivansh - the Opposition has regretfully decided to boycott the election of the Deputy Chairman scheduled for April 17," he stated.

(IANS)

First, the Modi Govt has not appointed a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha for 7 years. This has never happened before.
Second, the Deputy Speaker’s counterpart in the Rajya Sabha is the Deputy Chairman. Shri Harivansh’s second term ended on April 9th. A day later he was nominated…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 16, 2026

Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 11:00 am on April 17, 2026#RajyaSabha @VPIndia pic.twitter.com/cptVgCIapl

— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) April 16, 2026

Opposition slams Centre over delimitation bill; Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, DMK, AIMIM, TMK, RSP, CPIM raise objections in Parliament
NDTV's @Vasudha156 joins @divyawadhwa with more details pic.twitter.com/2JirEkDcx6

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 16, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the Lok Sabha at 3 pm on Thursday, as the government prepares to introduce three key bills during the special session of Parliament.

The proposed legislation includes measures on women's reservation and delimitation. From the BJP, the debate is set to be opened by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Other party speakers are expected to include Bansuri Swaraj, Raksha Khadse, Aparajita Sarangi, Kangana Ranaut, and Dharmshila Gupta.

Three major bills are expected to be introduced. These include a proposal to reserve seats for women in the Lok Sabha elections from 2029 and another bill to redraw constituency boundaries.

The opposition has raised concerns over the proposed changes, particularly the plan to redraw constituencies and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from the current 543 to a maximum of 850.

(ANI)

#SpecialParliamentSession2026
Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal introduces The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha. That the Bill further to amend the Constitution of India.@LokSabhaSectt @ombirlakota @AmitShah… pic.twitter.com/m7Ua0vQl36

— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) April 16, 2026

Home Minister @AmitShah introduces The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha.

That the Bill further to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 and the Jammu and Kashmir… pic.twitter.com/TG291s7jVG

— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) April 16, 2026

#ParliamentSession2026
Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal introduces The Delimitation Bill,2026 in Lok Sabha.
That the Bill to provide for the readjustment of the
allocation of seats in the House of the People to the States and Union territories, the total number… pic.twitter.com/Ht0FZeLcPJ

— SansadTV (@sansad_tv) April 16, 2026

Special session of Parliament: Union Home Minister Amit Shah tables Delimitation Bill, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Constitution Amendment Bill pic.twitter.com/2rDE9LKhRB

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 16, 2026

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday expressed confidence that the Women's Reservation Bill would be passed in Parliament with broad consensus, asserting that all political parties would eventually support the legislation despite objections raised by the opposition over delimitation and related issues.

Speaking on the Bill, Giriraj Singh said, "The Women's Reservation Bill is being introduced. The opposition says they have objections to delimitation and won't support it."

He added, "I feel, and I'm fully confident, that when they enter the House, they will feel empathy for women. Women have been waiting for years, and their patience is running out. Everyone will come together to pass it; those who don't won't even get food at home."

Rejecting concerns over regional imbalance, he said, "There will be no discrimination anywhere. The bill will come to the House, and the subject will be presented. There's no need to doubt it before it's even presented. I'm fully confident that just as it was passed before, it will be passed now. No discrimination against any state, equality for all."

On allegations linking the Bill to delimitation concerns, he said, "No one will suffer a loss. No one needs to worry."

(ANI)

Congress Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden and DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi moved motions on Thursday to oppose the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in the Lok Sabha.

This comes as a three-day special sitting of the extended Budget session of Parliament is set to begin on Thursday, with discussions centred on proposed Constitutional amendments linked to the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

The three amendments are the Constitution 131st Amendment Bill, 2026; Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and Delimitation Bill, 2026.

Meanwhile, amid the delimitation row, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to reach Parliament later in the day.

He has also written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he raised concerns that the proposed delimitation may hurt southern states.

(IANS)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday intensified his opposition to the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise by symbolically burning a copy of the delimitation bill and raising a black flag.

Leading from the front, Stalin burned the proposed delimitation bill in Namakkal, where he also hoisted a black flag as part of the statewide protest he had called for.

The Chief Minister had earlier urged people across Tamil Nadu to raise black flags atop their homes to register their dissent, describing the proposed legislation as a "black law" that threatens the state's political representation.

In a parallel symbolic gesture, a black flag was also hoisted outside Stalin's residence in Chennai.

According to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), this was meant to reinforce the party's strong opposition and encourage widespread public participation.

(IANS)

#Delimitation: Let the flames of resistance spread across Tamil Nadu!
Let the arrogance of the fascist BJP be brought down!
🔥 Then, the fire of resistance against #HindiImposition that rose from Tamil Nadu scorched Delhi. It quietened only after Delhi was forced to yield.
🔥… pic.twitter.com/9zSaH9PBvL

— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) April 16, 2026

Floor leaders of the Opposition parties will meet on Thursday in the office of LoP, Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, in Parliament to chalk out the strategy for the floor of the House in the special session.

Three important bills are likely to be introduced in the special session of Parliament starting today, including one to reserve seats for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and another to redraw constituency boundaries.

Hours before the convening of a special Parliament sitting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India was set to take a "historic step" towards women's empowerment.

"Starting today, in the special session of Parliament, our country is all set to take a historic step towards women's empowerment. The respect for our mothers and sisters is the respect for the nation, and with this very spirit, we are moving forward resolutely in this direction," the PM posted on X.

आज से शुरू हो रही संसद की विशेष बैठक में हमारा देश नारी सशक्तिकरण के लिए ऐतिहासिक कदम उठाने जा रहा है। हमारी माताओं-बहनों का सम्मान राष्ट्र का सम्मान है और यही भावना लेकर हम इस दिशा में दृढ़ता से आगे बढ़ रहे हैं।
व्युच्छन्ती हि रश्मिभिर्विश्वमाभासि रोचनम्।
ता त्वामुषर्वसूयवो… pic.twitter.com/8KWT1WLSje

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 16, 2026