New Delhi, April 12 (NationPress) In response to the Congress party's claim that the government is "rushing" the Women's Reservation (Amendment) Bill, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized on Sunday that failing to act swiftly could jeopardize the quota's implementation ahead of the 2029 general elections.

"If we delay our actions, the prospect of women's reservation being enacted in time for the 2029 elections becomes uncertain," Rijiju stated, expressing his willingness to address some of the concerns outlined by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in a letter directed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kharge's correspondence coincided with the Union government's announcement of a Special Session of Parliament next week to discuss and potentially pass the Bill.

Rijiju refuted Kharge's assertion that the special session was arranged without the input of the Opposition.

He urged the Congress President to collaborate on necessary amendments, stating, "Should we risk a delay in the implementation or strive to fulfill the public's expectations for swift action?"

"In our opinion, this is the most suitable and rational time to proceed with the required amendments," he added.

Furthermore, Rijiju dismissed claims from the Rajya Sabha Opposition leader that the Central government had not engaged with the Opposition regarding this significant legislation.

"I must respectfully disagree with any claims that the Government has not involved the Opposition. As early as March 16, 2026, I reached out to discuss this matter in detail," he noted.

"Additionally, I had a direct conversation with you and Jairam Ramesh, the Chief Whip of the Congress Party in Rajya Sabha, during the recent Budget Session. On March 26, 2026, I responded to you, highlighting that any delay in initiating the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam's implementation would hinder our objective of timely operationalization," he elaborated.

Rijiju stated, "To clarify, several formal discussions have taken place since March 19, 2026, with all major opposition parties and partners in the NDA. We have consulted with the Samajwadi Party, DMK, and leaders from YSRCP, NCP, Shiv Sena-UBT, AIMIM, and BJD."

He reiterated the Union government's readiness to engage with "you and your colleagues for any further discussions you may wish to have, as our goal remains the prompt implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam."

Rijiju remarked, "The issue of women's reservations has been a topic of discussion for nearly three decades, with various views expressed and commitments made. We are united in its core objective. Any further postponement would deny women their rightful place in our country's decision-making processes."

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government will need the support of opposition parties to achieve the two-thirds majority necessary for the passage of the Constitutional amendment in Parliament.

The proposed legislation aims to unlink the execution of women's reservation from the 2027 Census and instead rely on the 2011 Census, a move designed to ensure that the quota is implemented before the 2029 general elections.