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Mandatory attendance is required for all MPs while the government prepares key amendments. Opposition seeks clarity
New Delhi: Women’s Reservation Bill, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a strict whip of three lines that requires all its Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure their full participation during the forthcoming extra session of the Parliament, scheduled from April 16 to 18, 2026.
The directive applies to MPs from both Houses, which include, that is, the Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha, which includes Union ministers. As per the announcement that was issued, attendance in the House during the three-day session is a requirement, and no time off will be granted in any way. Members are instructed to strictly adhere to the instructions and keep their attendance.
The decision occurs as the government gears up for the upcoming debate of the vital Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill during the session. The legislation proposed is tied to the enactment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which seeks to provide seats for women in the legislative body.
However, the application of the new law encountered difficulties due to its association to the next census and delimitation exercises. The census is still to be conducted; the government may be considering taking advantage of the census data to speed up the process.
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The opposition has expressed concern about the absence of communication and transparency. Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and president of the Indian National Congress, has sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking the government to hold an all-party gathering before the session begins.
Kharge stated that the Opposition is not adequately informed and expressed his concern about the lack of clarity concerning delimitation and other crucial provisions. Kharge said in the absence of clarity, a meaningful discussion on this important historic law would be difficult.
The coming session is expected to be a heated discussion, as both the government and the opposition are set to discuss women’s roles in the Indian political scene.
