Opposition unites against delimitation bill, backs women’s quota ahead of special session

New Delhi: The Opposition, led by the Congress, on Wednesday expressed support for the women’s reservation law but strongly opposed the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise, calling it politically motivated.

After a meeting of Opposition leaders, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said all parties were in favour of implementing women’s reservation, but had serious concerns about the manner in which the legislation was being brought forward. He said the Opposition had decided to unite against the proposed delimitation bill.

The meeting at Kharge’s residence was attended by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader K C Venugopal, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, DMK leader T R Baalu, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, TMC leader Sagarika Ghose, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and other INDIA bloc leaders. 

“All of us are in favour of the women’s reservation bill, but have reservations about the way in which it is being brought. It is politically motivated. Just to gag and suppress Opposition parties, the government is doing this,” he said.

“We are continuously supporting women’s reservation. We are insisting that the earlier amendment be implemented. They are playing tricks with delimitation. Therefore, all parties have taken a decision to oppose this bill unitedly,” Kharge added.

Earlier, senior Congress leaders had met at his residence to chalk out a strategy ahead of a special three-day sitting of Parliament beginning April 16. The government has circulated draft bills related to the women’s quota law and delimitation among MPs.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that while the party supported the women’s reservation, it was “totally against” the delimitation exercise, alleging that the Delimitation Commission was being used as a tool by the BJP to secure a political majority.

The proposed amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam aim to operationalise 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies before the 2029 general elections. To facilitate this, the Centre has proposed increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to up to 850 seats following a fresh delimitation exercise based on the latest Census data.

The Congress has criticised the move, alleging that the intent behind the bill is “mischievous” and its content “devious”, warning that it could harm parliamentary democracy.

Opposing the delimitation proposal, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said the exercise could suppress the political voice of southern states, adding that states such as Kerala and Karnataka share similar concerns.

Chidambaram also questioned the timing of the special Parliament session, calling it a “planned conspiracy” as it coincides with election campaigning in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. He said there was no urgency to hold the session during elections and noted that as many as 67 MPs could miss the proceedings due to campaign commitments.

States voice protest
The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has announced a state-wide black flag protest on April 16, coinciding with the special Parliament session. In a statement, Chief Minister M K Stalin termed the proposed delimitation amendment a “massive, historic injustice” against Tamil Nadu and other southern states. Meanwhile, TVK chief Vijay called for the withdrawal of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, terming it a “biased action” that could reduce the voice of southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, in Parliament.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also raised concerns, alleging that delimitation could undermine the federal structure and adversely affect states like Kerala. He said proceeding without consensus on such a crucial issue was worrying.

The Trinamool Congress also criticised the Centre, with party leader Derek O'Brien alleging that the government was executing a “devious plot” to push delimitation under the cover of women’s reservation.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, he said women’s reservation was being used as a pretext. “Delimitation is the devious agenda. Women, their excuse,” he said.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot urged Modi to address concerns raised by southern states, warning that the issue could become sensitive if not handled carefully.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut described delimitation as a contentious issue, saying it was being undertaken without a Census and could face strong opposition. He, however, said his party would support the Women’s Reservation Act.

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene a special Assembly session within 48 hours to discuss ways to protect the state’s interests in the delimitation process, while welcoming the women’s reservation bill.

The Centre is set to introduce the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill during the special session from April 16 to 18.