In a recent statement, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal revealed that the Women’s Reservation Bill could potentially come into effect sometime after 2026, following the completion of the population census and the delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies. The minister dismissed allegations from the Opposition, asserting that the government was not intentionally delaying the process.
Meghwal also pointed out that during their time in power, the Congress party had abandoned the bill to protect its government. He criticized the Opposition for raising the issue now, especially since they had failed to bring the bill during their own tenure.
“The census and delimitation processes will significantly influence the allocation of reserved seats as per the provisions of the bill. Implementation could be considered post-2026. The Opposition’s current uproar is unwarranted, given their history of inaction,” Meghwal stated during a press conference in Jaipur.
He emphasized that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had always prioritized women’s representation and pledged to enhance it within the party organization. Meghwal expressed his joy that the Women’s Reservation Bill had passed with a substantial majority in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, largely due to the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently advocated for women’s empowerment in India.
Meghwal also noted that during Modi’s upcoming visit to Jaipur to conclude the BJP’s Parivartan Yatra, women would play a prominent role in organizing the event and welcoming the Prime Minister.
Responding to Meghwal’s remarks, Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi stated, “It was the BJP and their allies who opposed the Women’s Reservation Bill during the UPA’s tenure. If they are genuinely committed to its implementation, why haven’t they done so already? There is no set deadline as of now.”
This development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Women’s Reservation Bill and its potential timeline for enactment.
