India: Modi wants to reserve a third of seats for women, a major reform that divides the political class

The Indian government has unveiled an ambitious reform of its democratic system, aiming to increase women's representation in Parliament and redraw electoral districts. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this plan is already sparking strong tensions with the opposition, which denounces it as a political maneuver.

The proposals include increasing the number of seats in Parliament and establishing a quota reserving one-third of the mandates for women, a measure that would also extend to regional assemblies. The government intends to modernize institutions and better reflect the evolving needs of Indian society.

Speaking before the lower house, Narendra Modi asserted that these changes would steer the country in "a new direction." He also emphasized the importance of a greater female presence in political life, believing that "women's voices will bring new strength, innovative thinking, and greater sensitivity" to parliamentary debate.

The reform also provides for a redrawing of constituencies, based on demographic changes observed since the last major adjustment, carried out after the 1971 census. The government justifies this measure by the need to adapt political representation to the current reality of the country.

But the opposition strongly criticizes the plan, which it considers unconstitutional, particularly regarding the modification of electoral boundaries. It accuses the government of seeking to influence the results of the upcoming elections by redrawing electoral districts to its advantage.

On the parliamentary front, Narendra Modi's government lacks the two-thirds supermajority required to pass these reforms. It will therefore need to convince some opposition parties or minority groups to have any hope of bringing this project to fruition, a project that could profoundly transform the Indian political landscape.