NEW DELHI: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that an extended discussion would be held on the three crucial Bills related to women’s reservation and delimitation, with voting scheduled for Friday.
Addressing the House, Rijiju said, "The discussion will be held for 12 hours. The speaker should have the authority to extend the time for discussion. The voting on the bills will be done tomorrow."
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla subsequently clarified that the debate could go on for a longer duration if required, indicating flexibility in the schedule to accommodate detailed deliberations by members.
He said, "Discussion on these three bills will be held for 15-18 hours. Voting on these bills will be done at 4 p.m. tomorrow." He further assured that everyone will be given "appropriate time" to speak during the discussion.
The introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at enabling women’s reservation and facilitating delimitation, was approved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a division of votes in the House. The development came after the Opposition pressed for a recorded vote, leading to a formal division process.