‘U-turn Ustad’: Congress Slams PM Over Special Session for Women’s Quota Amendments

Now the political battle lines are drawn over the future of India’s legislative structure. On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Congress party labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “U-turn Ustad” following reports of a special two-day Parliament session. Therefore, the opposition alleges that the government is rushing to implement the women’s reservation law without completing the mandatory census and delimitation exercises. Currently, Congress claims this move is a “Weapon of Mass Diversion” designed to distract from the ongoing LPG and energy crisis.

Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

At a Glance:

• The Special Session: A two-day session is reportedly planned within the next fortnight.

• The “U-Turn”: Implementation may now proceed without waiting for the new census or delimitation.

• Expansion Plans: The government reportedly aims to increase Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha sizes by 50%.

• The Numbers: Lok Sabha seats could rise to 816, with 273 reserved for women.

• Effective Date: Amendments aim for implementation by March 31, 2029.

In This Article:

• The Delimitation Dilemma: Implementation Without Census

• “Weapon of Mass Diversion”: Congress’s Strategic Critique

• 816 Seats: The Proposed 50% Expansion of Parliament

• Timeline and Modalities: What Happens Next?

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Delimitation Dilemma: Implementation Without Census

Now the core of the controversy lies in a significant shift in government policy. In September 2023, the Nari Vandan Adhiniyam was passed with the caveat that it would only trigger after a fresh census and delimitation. Therefore, the Congress party points out that the government previously insisted these steps were non-negotiable.

But the latest proposal suggests using the 2011 Census data to redraw boundaries instead of waiting for the proposed 2027 exercise. First, Jairam Ramesh noted that the Prime Minister has suddenly changed his mind after 30 months. Next, the opposition argues that bypasses constitutional norms. Thus, the debate has shifted from “if” women should have reserved seats to “how” the map of India’s democracy will be redrawn.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

“Weapon of Mass Diversion”: Congress’s Strategic Critique

Now the opposition is questioning the timing of this legislative push. With the country currently grappling with an energy crisis and high LPG prices, Jairam Ramesh alleges the move is purely tactical. Therefore, he termed the initiative a “Weapon of Mass Diversion” (WMD).

First, the Congress argues the special session is meant to change the narrative from foreign policy setbacks. Next, they claim it violates the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the current Assembly elections. Thus, the opposition has requested an all-party meeting after April 29 to deliberate on these massive structural changes rather than rushing through a two-day session.

816 Seats: The Proposed 50% Expansion of Parliament

Now the most striking detail of the plan involves the sheer size of the Indian legislature. According to available contours, the government may seek to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816. Therefore, this would allow for 273 seats to be reserved for women without reducing the current number of seats available for men.

First, this expansion would be applied on a “vertical basis,” maintaining existing allocations for SCs and STs. Next, a similar 50% increase would be carried out for all state assemblies. Thus, the proposal represents the most significant change to the Indian parliamentary structure since the founding of the Republic. However, such a move requires “careful deliberation” and a formal Constitution amendment bill.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

Timeline and Modalities: What Happens Next?

Now the legislative roadmap is becoming clearer, even as consultations continue. While Union Home Minister Amit Shah has discussed the matter with NDA constituents, the principal opposition is yet to be formally consulted.

First, an ordinary bill will likely be introduced to amend the Delimitation Act. Next, a constitutional amendment will tweak the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Thus, if approved, these laws would come into force on March 31, 2029. This timeline ensures the new quotas are active for the next General Election and upcoming state polls in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Sikkim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ‘U-turn’ Congress is referring to? The government originally stated women’s quotas could only happen after a new census and delimitation. Congress claims the PM is now trying to implement them without these completed steps.

How many women will be in the new Lok Sabha? If the expansion to 816 seats is passed, 273 seats (one-third) will be reserved for women.

When will the women’s reservation become active? The proposed amendments aim for the law to be fully operational by March 31, 2029.

Will current Lok Sabha seats be reduced? No. By increasing the total number of seats to 816, the government aims to add women’s seats without removing existing ones.

What is the “Weapon of Mass Diversion” argument? Congress alleges the special session is a tactic to distract the public from high energy prices and foreign policy challenges.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

End….

Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source