The Union government is preparing to introduce a constitutional amendment bill related to women’s reservation in the special session of Parliament. The proposal aims to provide 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
The constitutional amendment bill on women’s reservation, to be introduced by the central government in the special session of Parliament, has triggered political disagreement across the country. While most opposition parties have expressed support for 33 percent reservation for women, there has been widespread opposition to the delimitation provisions included in the proposal.
The government is working on a plan to implement 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, with a target to make it effective from the 2029 general elections. The proposal is based on the census and delimitation process, and it is also reported to include a plan to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to approximately 850.
Political divisions over delimitation provision
The bill will require a two-thirds majority of members present in Parliament for passage. In the current political situation, it is considered challenging for the ruling alliance to secure this number. While most opposition parties appear united in supporting women’s reservation, the delimitation provision has further deepened political divisions. Several parties have stated that the provision could affect regional balance and political representation.
Opposition parties have clarified that they support women’s reservation but will bly oppose the provisions related to delimitation. This strategy was decided at a recent meeting of opposition parties held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The meeting was attended by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, DMK leader T R Baalu, Trinamool Congress leader Sagarika Ghose, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule, and Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh, among others.
The meeting decided to support the women’s reservation bill but to oppose the delimitation-related provisions, describing them as “politically motivated.”
Regional parties express concerns
In addition to the opposition alliance, several regional parties have also raised objections to the delimitation provision. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have stated that they will support women’s reservation but vote against the delimitation proposal. According to these parties, the proposed delimitation would lead to redistribution of Lok Sabha seats among states, which could reduce the political influence of some states.
Strong reactions have also emerged from southern states. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin stated that the delimitation proposal is a historical injustice to southern states. He alleged that the move could create an imbalance in population-based representation and weaken the political voice of states.
Government position and TDP support
The government has stated that the bill is a step toward political empowerment of women. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has supported the bill. He has appealed to various parties to support the amendment to strengthen women’s reservation. Naidu stated that implementing one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies would make the country’s democratic structure more inclusive.
