Opposition Coalition Opposes Delimitation Amendment in Parliament: Kharge
Synopsis
The opposition parties have united against the controversial Delimitation amendment bill, vowing to oppose it in Parliament. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge emphasizes the political motives behind the government's push while reaffirming support for women's reservation.
Key Takeaways
Opposition Unity: All opposition parties are standing together against the Delimitation amendment bill.
Political Motivation: The government’s actions are seen as politically motivated by opposition leaders.
Women's Reservation Support: There is a strong commitment to women's reservation in legislative bodies.
Concerns Over Timing: The timing of the amendments raises suspicions ahead of elections.
Call for Debate: Opposition leaders plan to actively participate in parliamentary debates against the bill.
New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) All opposition parties have joined forces against the controversial Delimitation amendment bill and will collectively oppose it in Parliament, stated Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday.
Kharge addressed the media following a high-level meeting at his home, reaffirming the party's steadfast support for women’s reservation in legislative bodies, noting its prior endorsement of constitutional amendments in 2010 and again in 2023.
However, Kharge and the party's senior leadership perceived a political agenda behind the government's push for the Delimitation amendment bill, which they claim is disguised as a support for women’s reservation. He asserted that all opposition parties are determined to stand united against this legislation in Parliament.
“We are in favor of the Women's Reservation Bill, but the manner in which the Modi government has presented it appears politically motivated. This is an attempt to target and undermine opposition parties,” he emphasized.
He accused the government of linking the amendment to the upcoming Census 2026 and a future delimitation process, raising questions about the timing of three critical amendment bills in Parliament, coinciding with the Assembly elections.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed strong backing for the women’s reservation bill but voiced significant concerns regarding the delimitation amendment, calling it “an attempted power grab through delimitation and gerrymandering” in a video statement.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress's communications head, labeled the delimitation bill as “extremely dangerous,” warning that it would dangerously widen the North-South divide in parliamentary representation.
“All opposition parties firmly oppose the provisions of delimitation. We will actively engage in the discussions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to challenge it,” he stated to reporters after the opposition parties' meeting.
The senior leadership of several opposition parties convened at Kharge's residence this evening to strategize on the women’s reservation legislation and the delimitation amendment ahead of a special three-day session of Parliament.
The proposed changes to the Women’s Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Amendment Bill, set to be presented during the special parliamentary session, have sparked a new clash between the BJP and the opposition parties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been fervently appealing for unanimous support for women's reservations, while Congress and other parties have criticized the “misleading connection” between the two amendments, accusing the government of employing “underhanded tactics” to gain political leverage.
Point of View
It is evident that the opposition's collective stance against the Delimitation amendment reflects a significant political divide. Their support for women's reservation is clear, yet concerns about the timing and intent of the government's proposals highlight a complex narrative of political strategy at play.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Delimitation amendment bill?
The Delimitation amendment bill pertains to the reallocation of legislative seats based on population changes, which some opposition parties argue is being used for political gain.
Why are opposition parties against the bill?
Opposition parties believe the bill is politically motivated and could undermine their representation, especially in light of upcoming elections.
What is the Women's Reservation Bill?
The Women's Reservation Bill aims to reserve a certain percentage of seats for women in legislative bodies to enhance their representation.
How has the government linked the two bills?
The government has linked the Delimitation amendment to the upcoming Census 2026 and future delimitation processes, raising concerns about the timing of these proposals.
What did Rahul Gandhi say about the amendment?
Rahul Gandhi described the delimitation amendment as an attempted power grab through delimitation and gerrymandering.
