New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) BJP leaders on Friday strongly defended the Women’s Reservation Bill, asserting that opposition to the measure will not be accepted by the people.

Speaking to IANS from West Bengal, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said, “Any bill that is in the interest of the country to become law, it is opposed by the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties. But the people of this country will not tolerate the opposition’s stance on this.”

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also weighed in, saying, “…When this bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, all members had given their consent unanimously. Therefore, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded everyone that they should support it with a common understanding and help ensure women’s reservation is implemented…”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill on Thursday, saying there is “no need to give the bill a political colour” and calling it an opportunity to add a new chapter to ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Three key bills — The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, The Delimitation Bill, 2026, and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 — were introduced in the special session of Parliament on Thursday, with voting scheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the discussion on the bills would continue for 12 hours, with provisions to extend the time if required. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla later indicated that the debate could last 15-18 hours, ensuring adequate time for all members to speak before voting.

The special sitting of Parliament’s Budget Session began on April 16 and will continue till April 18, during which the three key bills are being taken up.

The government has been seeking the opposition’s support for the amendment of the bill, which aims to implement women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha from the 2029 general elections, based on the 2011 Census.

–IANS

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