New Delhi, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday urged the Congress to support the Women’s Reservation Bill, citing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks on the need for greater freedom and space for women in Indian society.
Rijiju described Gandhi’s comments as a possible shift in the Congress’ approach towards women’s political representation and called for the party to support the legislation without conditions.
“This seems to be a positive message from the Congress Party. There’s a visible change of heart in Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji about the women. Now, I hope Congress Party will support the Women’s Reservation Bill unconditionally,” Rijiju said.
Gandhi, in an Instagram post on Friday, elaborated on remarks made during his “Ask Me Anything” session a day earlier. He said India could not realise its full potential unless women were able to express themselves freely.
Gandhi said women’s empowerment should extend beyond participation in business and politics to their homes, families and public spaces. He also spoke about the need for women to question established norms and express views that may differ from those around them.
The exchange comes amid an ongoing political debate over implementation of the women’s quota law. The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, popularly known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, provides for reservation of 33 per cent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies and the Delhi Assembly.
The issue is also linked to the government’s efforts to secure Opposition support for the proposed delimitation legislation. Rijiju spoke to Gandhi by phone on Thursday, marking his third attempt during the Monsoon Session to discuss the matter.
According to sources, Rijiju sought Gandhi’s support for early reintroduction of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which had failed to clear the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session in April. The government has argued that support for delimitation would facilitate implementation of the women’s reservation provision.
Sources said Rijiju also cautioned that prolonged delay in implementing women’s reservation could lead to resentment among women.
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