Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Wednesday, 15 July expressed firm confidence that both the Women's Reservation Bill and the Constituency Delimitation Bill will be passed during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Shinde made the remarks at a press conference in New Delhi, flanked by several Members of Parliament from Maharashtra.

The Case for Delimitation

Shinde argued that population growth has made current Lok Sabha constituencies unmanageable, with each now housing nearly 20 lakh to 25 lakh people. 'Delivering development work across such massive constituencies has become increasingly difficult. Therefore, the delimitation of constituencies is absolutely essential to ensure justice for the general public,' he stated.

The Deputy CM was accompanied by MPs Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Omraje Nimbalkar, and Nagesh Patil Ashtikar.

Women's Reservation: Shinde Backs Modi, Targets Opposition

Shinde praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showing what he called the courage to introduce the Women's Reservation Bill, a measure that had, in his words, previously seen only 'endless discussion.' He alleged that opposition resistance had caused the Bill's failure in the previous session and claimed the opposition 'paid a heavy price' for this in the West Bengal elections. 'If the opposition has now gained some wisdom and good sense, it is a positive sign,' he remarked, appealing to all opposition parties to unite behind the Bill.

Meeting With Amit Shah on Maharashtra's Development

Shinde also disclosed details of a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah covering key development priorities for Maharashtra. The discussions reportedly spanned irrigation challenges, the Marathwada Irrigation Project, railway and road infrastructure, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and urban and rural development schemes under the 'Viksit Bharat' initiative.

'Home Minister Amit Shah gave his assurance that these proposals will be presented in the upcoming Cabinet meeting. Furthermore, he has entrusted the responsibility of coordinating with all these MPs to MP Dr Shrikant Shinde,' the Deputy CM said.

Shiv Sena Faction Dispute and Political Attacks

On the ongoing Shiv Sena faction dispute, Shinde stated that all legal formalities regarding the two-thirds majority of MPs aligning with his group have been completed, and proceedings are underway with the Lok Sabha Speaker. 'In a democracy, majority rule holds supreme, and we are confident the Speaker will make the right decision,' he said.

Shinde also levelled pointed criticism at those he did not name directly — widely understood as a reference to Uddhav Thackeray — alleging that leaders who once 'insulted Ram devotees' are now 'chanting the Ram Raksha Stotra.' He claimed the public has witnessed who compromised on Hindutva and broke trust with the people of Maharashtra.

Welfare Numbers and Farm Relief

Shinde highlighted welfare figures from the Modi government, citing 800 million citizens receiving free food grains and 320 million people reportedly lifted above the poverty line. He contrasted Maharashtra's financial allocations, claiming the current government has provided ₹12 lakh crore to the state against ₹2 lakh crore during the ten years of the UPA regime — figures that could not be independently verified at the time of publication.

On agriculture, Shinde stated that promised loan waivers have been implemented and that the current budget has eased conditions around the ₹50,000 incentive criteria for farmers. 'The farmer has the absolute first right over the state treasury,' he said.

Whether the Monsoon Session delivers on both Bills remains to be seen, with the opposition yet to formally signal its position ahead of the session.