Addressing the assembly during the special session convened to discuss the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam on Tuesday, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said that the issue is not merely a matter of legislative procedure but of the dignity, rights and representation of half of the country’s population.
Gupta said during the Special Session of the Lok Sabha, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 relating to women’s reservation was discussed extensively in anticipation of a positive outcome amid high expectations across the country. However, it was extremely unfortunate that despite such insightful deliberations and public sentiment, the Bill could not be passed.
He shared that as per the details presented by the Lok Sabha Speaker, discussions were held on April 16 and 17, and the debate continued for 21 hours and 27 minutes, and 131 Members participated in the discussion on the three Bills in the Lok Sabha.
According to Gupta, it was an occasion when history could have been created when India’s democratic system could have been made more inclusive. It was a moment when a decisive step to ensure a strong and equality-based political framework for future generations could have been taken.
He lamented that such an opportunity slipped from our hands, which is a matter of reflection and introspection.
It would not be incorrect to say that this was possible, but it could not be achieved. “Whatever the reasons might have been, they have caused hurt to the aspirations of crores of women who have long been waiting for their rightful representation. This is not merely a matter of a Bill, but a question of trust, equality and justice.” He added.
However, the speaker stated that this should not be seen as the end of the effort, but a stage in which there has been a delay.
According to Gupta, big decisions relating to social justice sometimes take time, but public support and sustained efforts ultimately pave the way for change.