PM tells Opposition to take full credit as row erupts over women’s reservation, delimitation, and constitutional safeguards
By NIRENDRA DEV
New Delhi, April 16, 2026 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi triggered sharp political reactions in the Lok Sabha by offering the Opposition a “blank cheque” to claim credit for the proposed women’s reservation law, even as a broader row erupted over delimitation and constitutional changes.
Intervening during the debate, Modi said, “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.” He stressed that greater participation of women in policymaking is central to building a developed India, adding that Parliament would be “enriched” by their inclusion.
The Prime Minister accused sections of the Opposition of using “technical points and excuses” to delay the long-pending reform, which seeks to provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. He urged lawmakers to pass the legislation unanimously, arguing that “half the population” deserves representation.
The session, however, saw intense confrontation over three key legislations: the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. While the government presented these as part of a broader reform framework, Opposition parties questioned their timing and intent.
Congress leader K C Venugopal alleged that the government was attempting to dilute constitutional safeguards. He argued that linking women’s reservation to census and delimitation effectively delays its implementation, and accused the Centre of trying to “take away the protections” put in place during the tenures of Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The debate also took a contentious turn when Dharmendra Yadav of the Samajwadi Party demanded sub-quotas for Muslim and OBC women. The demand was strongly opposed by Home Minister Amit Shah, who reiterated that religion-based reservation is unconstitutional.
Adding to concerns, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant questioned the linkage between delimitation and women’s reservation, warning about the wide powers of the proposed Delimitation Commission.
As political tempers rise, the fate of the women’s reservation push now hinges on whether consensus can be forged amid deepening partisan divides.
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