Bhopal: A political face-off is set to unfold in the one-day special session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly on April 27, with the opposition Congress preparing to challenge the BJP government’s position on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Ahead of the session, the Congress has convened a meeting of its Members of the Legislative Assembly to firm up its strategy and coordinate its response inside the House.
The Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held at 9:00 AM at the residence of the Leader of the Opposition in Bhopal.
Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar said on Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party government’s intent on women’s reservation is questionable, alleging that the issue is being prolonged under procedural pretexts.
He said the Congress would raise the matter forcefully during the session and seek clarity on the timeline and implementation mechanism.
According to party sources, the Congress is likely to question the delay in implementing 33 per cent reservation for women and highlight what it calls inconsistencies in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s stand at the Centre and in the state.
Singhar maintained that the party is ready to support reservation if implemented within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats, but would oppose any move that defers its rollout.
The special session has been called days after a Constitution Amendment Bill related to women’s reservation and expansion of Lok Sabha seats failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lower House on April 17.
The Bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the 352 votes needed.
Following the development, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav criticised the Congress for not backing the Bill and announced a special session of the state Assembly to deliberate on women-centric issues.
As per the official notification, the Assembly will meet in two sittings, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, unless the Speaker directs otherwise.
The agenda includes a discussion on “Nari Shakti Vandan – women’s holistic development and empowerment,” reflecting the government’s stated focus on the subject.
With both sides preparing to press their arguments, the session is expected to centre on the broader political and policy debate around women’s reservation, its implementation, and the competing narratives presented by the BJP and the Congress.
(IANS)
