Congress Demands Apology from PM Modi Over Women’s Reservation Law

The Indian National Congress has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to the women of India, following what they describe as a significant reversal by his government on the implementation of the women's reservation law. This demand was voiced by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on April 10, 2026, in the wake of comments made by Modi regarding the proposed amendments to the Women Reservation Act.

Modi had stated that these amendments should be viewed as more than merely legislative; he characterised them as a reflection of the aspirations of millions of women across the country. Nonetheless, Ramesh argued that the government's apparent change of position is aimed at diverting attention from Prime Minister Modi's perceived shortcomings in governance, particularly in relation to foreign policy setbacks.

On the same day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed significant concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise associated with the women’s quota law. He warned that this could lead to severe ramifications, stating that the plans might disrupt the electoral framework in India. Kharge indicated that a united approach is necessary and announced that Congress would collaborate with opposition leaders to develop a comprehensive strategy to address these issues.

Kharge also accused the Modi government of calling a parliamentary session beginning April 16 with the intention of securing political gains, describing the timing as a potential violation of the Model Code of Conduct. He stressed that the amendments under consideration are crucial and require careful evaluation, asserting that they could profoundly affect India's electoral integrity.

Following the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which featured key party figures including former President Rahul Gandhi, Kharge outlined the need for unity among opposition parties to effectively tackle the proposed changes. He articulated the party’s commitment to working closely with other legislative groups to ensure that the implications of the women's reservation law are thoroughly considered before any decisions are made.

The statements from key Congress leaders underscore the ongoing contention surrounding women’s representation in Indian politics. The party continues to advocate for the immediate implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, in preparation for the upcoming elections.

As political dynamics evolve in India, the Congress party appears to be positioning itself as a significant challenger to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s handling of women’s legislative rights, asserting that such matters warrant urgent attention and decisive action.