Congress wants the Central Government to call an all-party meeting to discuss any changes in the Women's Reservation Act, citing that it should not indulge in "divide and rule" politics.
It is learnt that the Indian government might be exploring the possibility of implementing the Act even before the completion of the post-Census delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies.
Sources aware of the development informed that while no instructions have been issued yet to prepare a formal proposal for the Union Cabinet, plans are underway to explore the possibility of amending the law passed by Parliament in 2023.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, said his party has communicated to the government to call an all-party meeting to discuss the amendment to the Act.
"They should not do divide and rule politics," Ramesh said.
The provision to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was brought by amending the Constitution, but it will come into effect after the completion of the delimitation exercise.
If the proposal to implement the law even before the delimitation exercise actually materialises, another amendment to the Constitution will be required.
There have been some unconfirmed reports that the government has sent unofficial feelers to certain opposition leaders about the possibility of bringing a bill for the implementation of the women's quota without waiting for the delimitation exercise.
Follow us
