New Delhi, April 15, 2026 – On B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti, PM Narendra Modi invoked the architect of India’s Constitution to push for swift implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Act). In a letter to women nationwide, he called for its Constitutional amendment during the April 16-18 Parliament session to enable 33% quota from 2029 elections.
Key Points from Modi’s Letter
Modi emphasized Ambedkar’s focus on “equality and inclusivity,” linking it to women’s political empowerment as essential for Viksit Bharat by 2047. He urged women to contact MPs for support, warning delays would be “injustice” after broad consensus on the 2023 law.
He highlighted successes like 73rd/74th Amendments creating lakhs of women leaders in panchayats, and Sardar Patel’s early municipal reservations. “Our democracy will become stronger if 2029 polls include full women’s reservation.”
Political Context and Opposition Meet
Modi met LoP Mallikarjun Kharge at Prerna Sthal, urging backing for the amendment operationalizing the Act. Kharge promised consultation with INDIA bloc ahead of strategy huddle.
The bill proposes Lok Sabha expansion to 816 seats using 2011 census data, reserving ~273 for women without cutting state shares – bypassing fresh census/delimitations.
Broader Ambedkar Jayanti Tributes
Modi paid floral tributes at Parliament’s Prerna Sthal, praising Ambedkar’s nation-building role. Women’s rising stars in startups, science, and arts underscore the need.
