Kalyan Banerjee questions Narendra Modi government’s approach to women’s reservation
April 18, 2026: Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee strongly criticised the government’s approach to women’s reservation during the Lok Sabha debate, questioning why 50% reservation for women could not be implemented immediately without delimitation. He argued that such a reform could be executed “in a single day” if there was political will, and went further to suggest reserving key positions like the Prime Minister and Speaker posts for women on a rotational basis.
Targeting the Narendra Modi-led government, Banerjee dismissed the proposed delimitation exercise—linked to expanding Lok Sabha seats from 543 to over 800—as unnecessary. He called it a “political gimmick,” claiming that the women’s reservation law had already been passed in 2023 and did not require additional restructuring. Referring to his party led by Mamata Banerjee, he also pointed out that women’s representation within the BJP remains comparatively low.
The debate also saw sharp exchanges, with Modi earlier taking a jibe at Banerjee during the session, drawing laughter in the House. In response, the TMC leader remained vocal in opposing the bills tied to delimitation. However, the constitutional amendment ultimately failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, leaving Banerjee’s proposal largely rhetorical while highlighting the deep political divide over how women’s reservation should be implemented.