Delhi Assembly: Woman MLA chairs Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam session
Key Takeaways
This is not just about a Bill; it is about the dignity and rightful representation of crores of women in our country.
Greater Kailash MLA Shikha Roy presided over the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, 28 April as Chairperson-in-Chair during a Special Session dedicated to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, in a symbolic move initiated by Speaker Vijender Gupta. The gesture was intended to underscore women's empowerment — the central theme of the session's discussions.
A Symbolic First in the Chair
Speaker Vijender Gupta invited Roy to preside over the proceedings as a direct acknowledgement of women's leadership in legislative functioning. Roy, who represents the Greater Kailash constituency, expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the opportunity and the trust placed in her. The move was described by the Assembly as a meaningful translation of legislative intent into practice.
BJP's Black Band Protest Inside the House
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, her Cabinet colleagues, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators wore black bands on their arms during the session in a symbolic protest against what they characterised as the Opposition's role in stalling the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. Chief Minister Gupta led the demonstration, which the Delhi government described as a unified stand in support of women's rights and dignity.
Ministers Criticise Opposition Stance
Health and Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh strongly criticised the opposition for its conduct during the previous Lok Sabha session.
Point of View
Which reserves 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. Notably, the session's symbolic elements — a woman in the chair, a black-band protest — reflect an effort by the Delhi BJP government to frame itself as the Bill's political champion ahead of future electoral cycles. The demonstration within the Assembly premises was described as sending a strong political and moral message against what BJP leaders called a deliberate attempt by opposition parties to obstruct a historic reform.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam?
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is a law that reserves 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. It is considered one of the most significant legislative reforms for women's political representation in India.
Who presided over the Delhi Assembly's Special Session on 28 April?
Greater Kailash MLA Shikha Roy presided over the Special Session as Chairperson-in-Chair, at the invitation of Speaker Vijender Gupta. The move was intended as a symbolic gesture honouring women's leadership.
Why did BJP MLAs wear black bands during the Delhi Assembly session?
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and BJP legislators wore black bands on their arms to protest what they described as the Opposition's role in stalling the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. It was a symbolic demonstration of the Delhi government's support for women's rights.
What did Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh say about the opposition?
Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh accused the opposition of undermining women's empowerment by obstructing the Women's Reservation Bill, stating that their actions exposed an 'anti-women mindset.' He argued that genuine commitment to women's rights required constructive debate, not obstruction.
What is the significance of a woman MLA chairing the Delhi Assembly session?
It is described as a rare and symbolic initiative, representing the Assembly's commitment to women's representation in governance. Speaker Vijender Gupta's decision to invite an MLA to preside over the proceedings was seen as translating the legislative intent of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam into practice.
