Women's Reservation Bill: BJP Eyes Two-Thirds Majority Before Monsoon Session

The Modi government is mounting a fresh bid to pass a constitutional amendment bill for women's reservation in Parliament during the Monsoon Session. According to BJP sources, the government will only introduce the bill after ensuring it has secured a two-thirds majority (required for constitutional amendments under Article 368). The strategy involves sophisticated political coordination: outreach to opposition parties like DMK and NCP(SP) for possible abstention rather than opposition votes. This represents a significant administrative and constitutional maneuver.

Historical context: Women's reservation bills have been pending since the late 1990s, attempted in multiple Lok Sabhas without success. The current push follows the government's recent legislative successes and reflects changing political arithmetic in Parliament.

Key constitutional angle: Article 368 requires 2/3 majority in each house. The bill likely concerns reservation in legislative bodies (State Assemblies and Parliament). Previous attempts faced resistance from regional parties and certain women's organizations over implementation details.

Exam relevance: Constitutional amendments, federalism, political strategy, women's empowerment policies. Likely UPSC Mains questions on constitutional processes, gender justice policy, and parliamentary dynamics.