In a direct appeal amid rising political tensions, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on April 12, urging immediate steps to operationalize the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Sharing the correspondence on X, Rijiju lambasted delays as a betrayal of national commitments to women’s empowerment.
The post laid bare his frustration: ‘When the time has come to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, hesitations and doubts are being raised. I respectfully disagree.’ He positioned the bill not as partisan maneuvering but as a sacred duty to millions of women awaiting their due share in governance. Passed overwhelmingly in 2023, the legislation hinges on delimitation-linked changes to activate before 2029 polls.
Rijiju’s letter responded to Kharge’s own missive to the Prime Minister that day, addressing key concerns with facts. He recalled the bill’s passage as a shared national aspiration, with broad consensus for early rollout. Now, in 2026, inaction risks pushing benefits beyond 2029. ‘Should we allow potential delays, or strive to meet public expectations promptly?’ he posed.
Countering accusations of poor consultation, Rijiju chronicled proactive engagement: a March 16 letter to Kharge, budget session meetings, and a March 26 reply warning against procrastination. Since March 19, formal huddles involved major opposition players and NDA allies. Consultations spanned TMC leaders Derek O’Brien and Sougata Roy, plus phone marathon with RJD, CPI(M), and regional outfits like JMM and JKNC. Support is trickling in, with more expected soon.
He affirmed readiness for further talks with Congress, emphasizing a singular goal: expeditious enactment. On state consultations, Rijiju noted Rajya Sabha’s role and inputs from ruling parties in various states. Three decades of discourse on women’s quota demand closure, he argued—no more delays in granting women their rightful place.
Rijiju’s courteous yet firm plea seeks Kharge’s backing for seamless passage. This exchange underscores the high stakes: timely reform or prolonged limbo. As parties deliberate, the push for Nari Shakti gains momentum, promising a transformative step for Indian democracy.
