Parliament Special Sitting LIVE | 131 Constitutional Amendment Bill To Change Women's Reservation Law Defeated In Lok Sabha

The Congress on Friday said the "nefarious attempt" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to link their "dangerous delimitation proposals" to women's reservation has been decisively defeated in the Lok Sabha, and asserted that it was a win for democracy and the Constitution.

The opposition party said the defeat also calls into question the legitimacy of "the non-biological, non-grihasthi PM."

In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The nefarious and mischievous attempt of the PM and HM to link their dangerous delimitation proposals to women's reservation (that had already been settled) has been decisively defeated in the Lok Sabha."

"This is a win for our democracy, our federalism, and the Constitution. This also calls into question the legitimacy of the non-biological, non-grihasthi PM," Ramesh said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that since the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been defeated, the Centre has decided to withdraw the two other Bills - 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026'.

Speaker Om Birla adjourned the Lok Sabha till 11 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Voting is underway on The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has asked for the lobbies to be cleared. Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh is giving instructions to the members on how to vote.

A total of 528 members voted. Of these, 298 members voted in favour, while 230 members voted against the Bill.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah thanked Speaker Om Birla for giving him an opportunity to present the side of the government. "123 MPs spoke on the Bills, of which 56 are women, and it will be a record," Shah said.

"If you listen to the debate carefully, nobody has opposed the Women's Reservation Bill. But if you look at the comments by the INDIA Alliance members by using terms like but, if, they have oppossed Women's Reservation Bill. The opposition is to the implementation. I want to make clear that the opposition is for Women's Reservation," he said.

"Voters have expectations and issues, and to resolve the issues, he or she goes to MPs. Can anyone make me understand, a Member of Parliament, who has a population of 39 lakhs in his constituency, how will he or she be resolve the issues," Shah said.

Shah, a former BJP chief, also said that the Opposition is also opposed to increasing SC and ST cases. He said other factors like road, rail connectivily and increased population has to be taken into consideration while delimitation.

"And so, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought the Bills. A few members asked why now? I state that in 1971 there was the Indira Gandhi government, and as it was freezed, we had to do it," Shah said.

According to Shah, Malkagjigi in Telangana has a population of 38 lakh. "There are 127 seats, there are more than 2 lakh voters," he said. He also asked how can MP of a constituency, which has a population of 48 lakh, can resolve issues," he said. "If they support us for delimitation, then the value will be one," he added.

He said former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee knew Congress very well and hence he did not bring Bills during his tenure. "In 1976, India had a population for 54 crore and now the population is 140 crore. They want to keep the same number of MPs," he added.

Responding to allegations that MPs won't get a chance to speak when the number of MPs to 850, Shah said, "There is no shortage of time."

"Some MPs questioned that why Census did not happen on time. Census was to happen in 2021 but it did not happen due to COVID-19. When the Census was to start in 2024, a lot of political parties that they wanted a Caste Census. After speaking to a lot of stakeholders, the Centre decided in 2025 to have a Caste Census. When the Census will take place, there will be a column for caste," he added.

He took a swipe at the Oppositon saying that they are not interested in a caste Census, they only want power and rule the country. There were exchanges between Shah and Congress MP KC Venugopal. Shah quipped that Om Birla was lucky and that the Bills were passed. He maintained that the BJP does not approve a reservation based on religion.

He said Rajiv Gandhi made the longest speech of his life to oppose the Mandal Commission. "Congress has not given any OBC Prime Minister, while the BJP made a person from OBC a Prime Minister," he added. Shah said that 27 ministers in the Narendra Modi Cabinet are OBCs, which is 40 per cent.

Shah then listed out the number of women MPs in the Lok Sabha since its inception. He again said that for the 5th time, the INDIA Alliance parties have opposed Women's Reservation.

He said Congress did not make women Chief Ministers in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. "We made the first Adivasi woman - Draupadi Murmu - as the President," he said. He questioned the behaviour and language used by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.

A discussion is currently underway in the Lok Sabha on the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The government is expected to respond to the debate at 6 PM, after which voting on the bill will take place. SP MP Rajendra Singh Lodhi, who represents the Hamipur constituency, said that the Amendment to the Women's Bill is an illusion.

He asked the BJP what was the reason why they saved former MP Brij Bhushan Singh, who was accused of sexually harassing women grapplers.

Congress MP Pratibha Dhanorkar said that the Bill was first brought by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987, and a discussion is happening after almost three decades. Dhanorkar, who represents the Chandrapur constituency in Maharashtra, added that people like Pratibha Patil worked as President with efficiency.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Annapurna Devi accused the Opposition of working to "crush the hopes and expectations of crores of our sisters." She warned, "If you do not live up to women’s expectations, they will never forgive you."

Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad opposed the Delimitation Bill, stating that the government is pushing it under the guise of women's reservation. "This Bill was already passed in 2023 and should have been implemented in 2024. If it had, we wouldn’t be having this discussion," she said, referencing Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi's calls for timely implementation.

Gaikwad highlighted Congress' pro-women track record, noting the party's history of electing women as chiefs, Chief Ministers and Prime Ministers. She challenged, “Can the BJP elect a woman chief for their party? Can RSS chief be a woman?”

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh told the Lok Sabha that the amendment to the Women's Reservation Act was not taken up in haste. "The government took three years for thorough groundwork before bringing this amendment," he said, emphasising that the process was carefully planned and deliberated.

During his Lok Sabha speech, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reflected on the significance of "April 16", the date of the ongoing debate. He told the House, "I suddenly noticed that yesterday was the 16th of April… That’s the number, 16. The whole answer to the riddle is in the number 16. Everything is in the number 16." Rahul Gandhi suggested that this number might hold special meaning in understanding the timing and circumstances of the government's actions around the bill.

Read More: 'Anti-National Move To Bypass Caste Census And Take Away Power From OBCs': Rahul Gandhi In Lok Sabha On Three Bills

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey criticised the Congress for opposing the caste census, claiming, "PM Manmohan Singh said that there will never be a caste census, whether his government survives or not."

Dubey also invoked historical events, noting, "April 17 was the day in 1987 when Rajiv Gandhi first faced Bofors allegations, and it was also the day in 1999 when Congress brought down the Vajpayee government."

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi claimed the BJP knowingly introduced a bill that "cannot be passed", calling it a "panic reaction" by the Prime Minister. "They knew every opposition person would oppose it. This was a panic reaction because the Prime Minister, at any cost, needed to send two messages: change the electoral map of India, and show that he is pro-women. Why he is doing that, I will leave to your imagination," Rahul said.

He added, "The truth is the magician has been caught. The magician of Balakot, the magician of demonetisation, the magician of Sindoor has suddenly got caught."

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the government of prioritising "Manuvaad over Samvidhaan" during the debate. He took a dig at Amit Shah's remarks, saying, "Amit Shah says that the caste census has begun. He repeated twice yesterday, trying to be clever, saying that houses do not have castes. The point is not whether houses have castes or not. The point is whether the caste census is going to be used for representation in Parliament."

During the Lok Sabha debate on women's reservation, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju exchanged sharp words. While intervening in Rahul's speech, Rijiju accused him of making "misleading statements" regarding the possibility of parliamentary reservation for OBCs and religious minorities, saying, "That is not permissible."

Rijiju challenged Congress' record, asking, "When Congress ruled this country for more than 60 years, why did the Congress Party not provide constitutional reservation for OBCs?" He further questioned, "Rajiv Gandhi ji had opposed OBC reservation. Can Rahul Gandhi answer why his father, as Prime Minister, opposed it?"

Rahul Gandhi labelled the government's actions as "nothing short of an anti-national act," vowing that the entire opposition will unite to defeat the proposed changes. He assured the southern, northeastern and smaller states that the Opposition will not allow the government to diminish their representation in the "Union of India".

Rahul Gandhi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, strongly criticised the government over the women’s reservation bill, alleging it is an attempt to change the country's electoral map "using and hiding behind India’s women."

He urged the government to bring back the 2023 women's bill for immediate implementation, stating, "We will help you pass it this second."

Rahul accused the government of trying to withhold power and representation from OBCs, saying, "This is its agenda." He further claimed the government is ensuring the caste census will not impact representation for the next 15 years and is "scared of erosion of its strength," aiming to "rejig the Indian political map."

He also alleged the government is sending a message to southern, northeastern and smaller states: "For the BJP to remain in power, we are going to take away representation from you."

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi began his Lok Sabha speech on a lighter note, saying, "My sister was able to do what I haven’t been able to achieve in the last 20 years, make Amit Shah laugh," referring to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's speech in the House. He acknowledged Priyanka's unique speaking style, noting it was different from his own.

During the debate on the Bill, Rahul also made a witty remark that neither he nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "wife issues", drawing laughter from the House. He praised women as a "driving force in our national perspective", underlining their vital role in shaping the country's future.

However, Gandhi was sharply critical of the proposed legislation. "This is not a women’s bill; this has nothing to do with empowerment of women," he asserted. He questioned the government’s motives, arguing that the bill, in its current form, fails to deliver genuine empowerment and is being used as a political tool rather than a true step towards gender equality.

Rahul urged the House to ensure that any legislation on women’s reservation should have a real and immediate impact, and not be delayed or diluted by linking it with delimitation or other conditions.

Rahul Gandhi is speaking in the Lok Sabha on the debate on the three important Bills -- The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, The Delimitation Bill, 2026, The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

BJP MP Hema Malini spoke in favour of the amendments to the Women's Reservation Act, urging the House to pass the Bills so women can advance with greater independence and respect. She also thanked Prime Minister Modi for championing the cause and referenced prominent figures from film and music in her remarks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to all Lok Sabha members to vote in favour of the women's reservation bill and to respect the sentiments of 'nari shakti'. Ahead of the vote on the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, Modi said, "For four decades, a great deal of politics has been played on this issue. It is now time that half the country’s population gets its rights."

Modi called on MPs to vote with sensitivity and conscience, urging them not to do anything that might hurt women’s sentiments. "Let us together create history and give the women of India their rightful due," he said.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has reached Parliament and soon will make a speech in the Lower House.

MoS for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, urged all parties to support the Women's Reservation Bill, saying, "Half the country's population is watching and waiting for a historic decision." She noted women’s representation remains low; just 14 per cent in the Lok Sabha and 18 per cent in the Rajya Sabha, and called for change.

Patel dismissed concerns that southern states would lose seats, citing Amit Shah's assurance that all states would see a 50 per cent increase in seats. She also criticised past governments for failing to pass the bill and encouraged the Opposition to join this "noble cause".

DMK MP A Raja accused the government of promoting discrimination among states under the guise of women's rights. "Prime Minister and Home Minister are misguiding Parliament," Raja said. "In the name of women's rights, the government is promoting discrimination among States. By this, you want to promote a North-South divide and ensure perpetual rule at the Centre. With perpetual power, you aim to establish a theocratic state and impose one language, one culture. We will not permit your dream to become a reality. In Tamil Nadu, we will oppose it."

Leader of Opposition and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the INDIA bloc MPs are determined to oppose and "defeat" the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill in the Lok Sabha. He emphasised that the Opposition is fighting hard against the proposed increase in the number of Lok Sabha constituencies and their redrawing, which could expand the number of seats to 850.

Congress MP K Suresh called the Delimitation Bill "dangerous", alleging it would "demolish" Opposition parties. CPI MP P Sandosh questioned why delimitation, census, and women’s reservation were being clubbed together, demanding a response from PM Modi.

Meanwhile, JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha defended the government, arguing that the Women's Reservation Bill was unanimously passed in 2023 and that no changes have been made to the delimitation process. The Congress has issued a three-line whip, requiring all its MPs to attend the special session.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of using the Women's Reservation Bill as a "pretext" to carry out delimitation and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies for electoral gain. "We support women's reservation, but why link it with delimitation?" he asked, claiming the BJP wants to create constituencies to suit itself. Yadav also criticised the government over low minimum wages in Noida and recent labour protests.

SP MP Dimple Yadav reiterated the party's opposition to linking women's reservation with delimitation. She said the bill should be implemented by first conducting a census, then delimitation, and finally reserving seats for women.

Read More: Dimple Yadav Slams BJP Over Women's Bill Amendment, Questions Timing Of Delimitation Move

As Parliament began discussing the Women's Reservation Act and Delimitation Bill, top BJP leaders met at Amit Shah's residence to strategise, while the INDIA bloc MPs gathered at Mallikarjun Kharge's office to plan their approach. The Lok Sabha is set to vote on amendments that would grant 33 per cent reservation to women and increase the number of seats to 850. The Congress has issued a three-line whip to its MPs. The Opposition raised concerns that the proposed changes could reduce the representation of southern states.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal said her party does not support the Delimitation Bill, arguing that democracy requires equal representation for all. She alleged that the BJP "remembers women" only during elections and accused the government of shifting the goalposts on women's reservation.

Badal affirmed SAD's support for women's reservation but claimed the government has failed to implement it in the past. "We reached Parliament without representation," she remarked, insisting that women's reservation should be implemented within the current strength of Parliament, without linking it to delimitation.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien questioned the urgency of appointing Harivansh as the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha on Friday, noting that the Lok Sabha has not had a Deputy Speaker for seven years. O'Brien's remarks came after TMC and Samajwadi Party MPs staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha when the resolution to elect nominated MP Harivansh as deputy chairman was taken up.

"This is the first time a nominated MP has been appointed deputy chairman of the Upper House. No Deputy Speaker has been appointed in the Lok Sabha in seven years. What was the need to rush this election in the special three-day sitting when West Bengal and Tamil Nadu assembly polls are on?" O'Brien said in a statement after the walkout.

Harivansh was elected deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed on Friday, after the office fell vacant following the end of his previous term on April 9. Union Minister and Leader of the House J P Nadda moved the motion for his election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated Harivansh on his election.

TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of changing "the rules of the game" whenever he fears losing an election. Banerjee said the party supports women’s reservation but insisted it must be implemented based on the current strength of the Parliament, without linking it to delimitation.

He criticised the BJP for inadequate women’s representation, noting that only 12.91 per cent of its Lok Sabha MPs and 16.98 per cent of its Rajya Sabha MPs are women. Banerjee asserted, "Women’s reservation shouldn’t be based on convenience or used as a bargaining chip. It must be constitutional."

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned and will meet again on April 18 at 11 AM.

Congress MP Mallu Ravi criticised BJP MP Tejasvi Surya for comparing the separation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the partition of India and Pakistan, calling the remark deeply offensive to Telangana. "Union Minister G Kishan Reddy supported the statement during the discussion in the House," Mallu Ravi said. "We demand an apology from both."

Read More: Row Over Tejaswi Surya's Comments On Telangana In Lok Sabha, Parties Demand Apology

BJP leader K Annamalai on Friday backed the Women’s Reservation Bill, stating it would significantly increase representation in Parliament without changing the regional balance. "Tamil Nadu’s MPs will increase from 39 to 59, a direct 50 per cent rise," he said. Annamalai further noted, "The total number of MPs across all states has been increased by 50 per cent through this bill. Uttar Pradesh will go from 80 to 120, Kerala from 20 to 30, Telangana from 17 to 26, and Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 38. Every state gets a 50 per cent increase."

As Parliament began discussions on the Women’s Reservation Act amendments and the Delimitation Bill, Congress leaders Manickam Tagore, KC Venugopal and P Chidambaram are working to ensure the presence of all INDIA bloc MPs in the House, according to sources on Friday.

Congress MP Manish Tiwari, speaking in Parliament, said, "The government is being very economical with the truth. The core issue lies in Article 82, 1A of the Constitution, which enshrines the 'one person, one vote, one value' principle. Because of this formula, states with higher total fertility rates (TFR) will end up getting more seats, while those that have followed population stabilisation measures since 1976 will get fewer. The real challenge is finding a way to uphold this constitutional mandate while maintaining a balance between federal aspirations."

Tharoor urged the government to pass the Women's Reservation Bill while deferring the Delimitation Bill for broader consultation. He emphasised that delimitation requires "profound discussion" and should not be treated as a routine legislative exercise.

He identified three key concerns in the delimitation process:

Big vs small states: Maintaining a fair balance in representation.
Population control divide: States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala versus northern states with higher population growth.
Economic contribution gap: Productive states versus those more dependent on central funds.

He warned that delimitation could end up rewarding states that have failed to control their population with greater political weight. Calling delimitation "political demonetisation", Tharoor said the process could significantly alter the balance of power between states and institutions.

He also referred to the European concept of "degressive proportionality", in which more populous regions receive greater representation, while smaller regions receive relatively greater representation per capita.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor described the Delimitation Bill as a "profound shift in political power" and called for extensive discussion before any decision is taken. He cautioned against rushing the exercise, comparing it to the haste seen during demonetisation and terming it a form of "political demonetisation".

Tharoor criticised the proposed "50 per cent formula" cited by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling it a "precarious political statement" rather than a firm legislative commitment.

The Congress MP raised concerns over proposals to expand the Lok Sabha to 850 seats, saying such a large House could become unworkable. He also pointed out that there is no corresponding plan to strengthen the Rajya Sabha, warning that this could create an institutional imbalance between the two Houses.

Tharoor reiterated that his party supports the Women's Reservation Bill but stressed that delimitation should not be rushed. He added that the women’s quota must not be linked to the delimitation exercise and should be implemented independently.

Read More: Shashi Tharoor Links Centre's Proposed Delimitation With Demonetisation

Opposing the delimination bill in Lok Sabha, senior DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi said, "If this government is confident that the Delimitation Bill is fair then why they are not placing the Bill in Tamil Nadu legislature. The government didn’t consult with Chief Ministers of any State."

"They postponed the census (in 2021), now they are rewarding them with the old census. The special session has been called in the middle of State election in five States," said Kanimozhi. She further stated that BJP is using women as electoral rescue strategy. "What is the necessity of notifying Women’s Reservation Act 2023 yesterday?" asked the DMK MP, adding that this Bill in disguise of women reservation, disrupts the federal structure of India.

Read More: DMK MP Kanimozhi Criticises Delimitation, Terms It 'Greatest Assault On Federal Structure'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Harivansh Singh on being elected Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha for the third term. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi said, "Being elected as Deputy Chairman for the third consecutive term is a testament to the deep trust this House has in you, the benefits the House has received from your experience over the past period, and your efforts to take everyone along... We have all seen the strength of the House grow even more effective under Harivansh's leadership. Not only does he conduct the proceedings of the House, but he also uses his past experiences to enrich the House with great precision... I am confident that the Deputy Chairman's new term will proceed with the same spirit, balance, and dedication. Through the efforts of all of us, the dignity of the House will reach new heights."

"I want to highlight one thing, today is April 17 - the birth anniversary of our former Prime Minister, Chandra Shekhar. It is special that you (Harivansh) are beginning this journey for the third time on his birth anniversary, particularly because of your closeness with him," PM Modi added.

MP Harivansh Narayan Singh has been chosen as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha as five notices were received in his favour, none by Opposition.

Proceedings have begun in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Upper House to take part in the debate.

Taking a dig at the Centre, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said the Union BJP Government must completely withdraw the Delimitation Bill. "Today is a crucial day in Tamil Nadu's politics. It is the day we will learn the outcome of our struggles against delimitation. Following our fierce opposition and protests, Prime Minister and Union Home Minister have yesterday provided a verbal assurance in Parliament that Tamil Nadu's constituency size will not be reduced."

"However, as the saying goes—words are one thing, actions another—the Bill they have tabled is nothing short of a complete deception. We categorically reject it. It cannot be trusted, nor can it be accepted," Stalin added.

He went on to allege that this bill is laden with a "grand conspiracy". Stalin said, "Through the extensive powers granted to the Delimitation Commission in this Bill, they can, whenever they wish, in whatever manner they choose, at any time in the future, alter the constituency sizes of Indian states to their advantage. This black law contains provisions that pave the way for such changes... It must not be passed in haste. The Union Government must withdraw it entirely. If, in the arrogance of their numerical strength, they push it through despite our opposition, they will have to face the consequences in Tamil Nadu."

Members of the Rajya Sabha are set to elect Harivansh Narayan Singh as the Deputy Chairman by consensus. Leaders will present a proposal to the house on Friday. The deadline for submitting nominations for the Deputy Chairman's election was Thursday, April 16, at 12 PM. By the end of the nomination period, members had submitted five proposals, all nominating Harivansh for the position. With unanimous support, members appear certain to elect him as Deputy Chairman.

The INDIA bloc MPs led by Congress are scheduled to hold a meeting at Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge's chamber in Parliament at 10 AM on Friday to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House, sources said.

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal on Thursday alleged that the 2026 Women's Reservation and Delimitation Amendment bills are a 'political ploy' of the ruling BJP-led NDA government to secure a 2/3rd majority in the 2029 General Elections and "alter" the Constitution.

Speaking to ANI outside the Parliament, Sibal claimed the Centre aims to "mislead people", but said the Opposition is more clever. "This is a constitutional amendment bill, not just a delimitation bill. They want to do delimitation first and then women's reservation. They have scrapped the (Women's Reservation) 2023 bill....What is the aim? They want to mislead people...They think we are fools, but we are actually more clever than them...They aim to get an advantage of 200 seats in northern India. If there are 66 more seats in southern India, it won't affect much; this way, they can retain power. Once they get a 2/3 majority, they will change the Constitution," he said.

Lashing out at Opposition parties for "spreading misinformation", Union Minister Piyush Goyal said Home Minister Amit has clarified in the Parliament that the Southern states will not face any injustice in delimitation. "Rather, their share will rise, reflecting a proportionate increase. The same pattern holds for each state. The Modi Government remains committed to ensuring the welfare of the people across the country, with a fair approach," Goyal stated.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Thursday heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her speech in the Lok Sabha, calling him the "only flag bearer of feminism".

Speaking during a debate on the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, Kangana said, "The daughters of India today believe that there is no bigger feminist than the Prime Minister."

"Aaj Bharat ki beti ye manti hai ki Pradhan Mantri ji se bara koi bhi feminist nahi hai. He is the only flag bearer of feminism. Aur ye bharat ki betiyan unki sada abhari rahegi (Today, the daughters of India believe that there is no bigger feminist than the Prime Minister. He is the only flag bearer of feminism. And the daughters of this country will always remain grateful to him)."

She further said, "Jo unhone Bharat ki mahila shakti me vishwas dikhaya hai, uske liye hum sada abhaari rhege (We will forever be grateful for the faith he has shown in the women of India)."

She also supported linking the bill with the delimitation exercise, describing it as a "constitutional necessity" and emphasising that the process is important and much needed.

TDP MP Byreddy Shabari launched a sharp attack on YSRCP during the debate in Lok Sabha on the Women's Reservation Bill, alleging that the previous five-year regime under the party was a "dark period" for women in the state. She claimed that coordinated social media abuse targeted women leaders, NDA workers, and even family members of political leaders.

Shabari further alleged that women, including the Chief Minister's wife, the Deputy Chief Minister's minor daughters, and Home Minister Anita, were subjected to abusive and offensive online content, including morphed images and derogatory remarks.

She also claimed that a small group of social media accounts linked to close associates of the former Chief Minister were involved in widespread character assassination and harassment campaigns.

The MP further questioned the former ruling party’s moral authority to speak on women’s empowerment, stating that those who failed to prevent or condemn such abuse cannot advocate for the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to move the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, for passage in the Lok Sabha today.

A war of words erupted between BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and DMK's A Raja in the Lok Sabha on Thursday over the former's 'separatism' remark.

Participating in the debate on the Constitution (131st Amendment) and Delimitation Bills in Lok Sabha, Surya said that the DMK stands for separatism. "I don't speak the language of separatism that DMK practises. I believe that from Kashmir to Kanyakumari the country is one," he said, raising a uproar among DMK MPs.

Responding to the BJP MP's remark, Raja clarified that DMK does not stand for separatism. "In 1971 when Pakistan launched a war on India, we gave the highest assistance of Rs six crore. Then during (former PM Atal Bihari) Vajpayee's tenure, Tamil Nadu gave Rs 100 crore for Kargil war. So, you don't teach us nationalism. We are for nationalism. We only want to keep a separate identity when it comes to implementing Hindi and oppose not giving due respect to state's autonomy," he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday issued a strong warning to the BJP-led central government over the proposed delimitation exercise.

He said, "I want to warn Delhi: do not wish to witness the fighting spirit of Tamil Nadu. Delimitation is a great danger created by the BJP against Tamil Nadu, with the AIADMK clapping along. The BJP's conspiracy to suppress Tamil Nadu's voice is delimitation. The AIADMK is a spineless group that cannot even openly oppose it."

"The BJP thought that when elections were happening in Tamil Nadu and DMK MPs were busy campaigning, they could convene a special session and pass this law. First, people's rights must be protected; only then do democracy and elections have meaning. If our votes lose value, should we not oppose it? That is why our MPs are fighting in Delhi," he added.

He said raising of black flags is just a trailer. "Delhi should not even wish to see the main picture. If we can come to the streets for our language--will we not come out for the rights of our people? This Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin is here. I am ready to face a thousand Emergencies...We will curb the arrogance of the Union BJP government that refuses to respect the voice of the southern states. India is a union of states--if you think you can crush the states, and that we will remain silent, bound and submissive, you are making a grave miscalculation...," the CM further said.