Shashi Tharoor Accuses Government of Linking Delimitation with Women's Reservation Bill
Synopsis
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticizes the BJP-led Union government for intentionally intertwining the Delimitation Bill with the Women's Reservation Bill, arguing that this approach undermines essential discussions about democracy and unity in India. He offers immediate support for the women's reservation, urging for a focused debate instead.
Key Takeaways
Shashi Tharoor criticizes the government for linking two significant bills.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to pass due to lack of majority.
The Congress party supports women's reservation and seeks immediate action.
Kumari Selja highlights confusion created by the BJP.
The issue reflects broader tensions in Indian politics.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly condemned the BJP-led Union government for deliberately linking the proposed Delimitation Bill with the Women's Reservation Bill.
His remarks followed the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to pass through the lower House on Friday.
Despite securing 298 votes in favor and 230 opposed after a two-day debate, the Bill did not meet the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.
Speaking to journalists outside Parliament, Tharoor stated, "We strongly object to the association of the (Women's Reservation) Bill with delimitation. This is a crucial matter that touches on the core principles of the nation, including India's unity and democracy, and it deserves serious deliberation, not a rushed two-day session."
He added, "We should have prioritized the women's reservation, while the delimitation should not have been passed. The government intentionally linked these issues, and that is the crux of the problem."
Tharoor also made it clear that the Congress party is not against women's reservation.
He expressed, "We are prepared to immediately pass the 33 percent women's reservation without any further delays. If the Centre wishes to introduce a new bill during the Monsoon session, we will support it."
Tharoor stressed, "Do not conflate the Women's Reservation Bill with delimitation; it requires a thoughtful discussion."
Meanwhile, Congress MP Kumari Selja accused the BJP-led NDA alliance of creating confusion among the populace.
In alignment with Tharoor's sentiments, Selja remarked to IANS, "Since the Women's Reservation Bill was unanimously approved in 2023, what has the government been doing until now? Even the official notification was issued late at night, around 10 p.m."
She alleged that the BJP is attempting to turn women's reservation into an election issue.
"In the guise of supporting women, the Centre is manipulating national issues. This is purely political maneuvering," she claimed.
Selja also insisted that the Opposition should not bear the blame, as "we had already passed the Bill."
Point of View
The intertwining of the Delimitation Bill with the Women's Reservation Bill raises essential questions about political strategy and governance. The allegations by Shashi Tharoor highlight the ongoing tension between the ruling party and the opposition, emphasizing the need for focused dialogue around women's rights and electoral reform.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main accusation by Shashi Tharoor?
Shashi Tharoor accuses the BJP-led Union government of deliberately linking the Delimitation Bill with the Women's Reservation Bill, which he believes undermines serious discussions on important national issues.
What was the outcome of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill?
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill received 298 votes in favor and 230 against but failed to achieve the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.
Is the Congress party against women's reservation?
No, Shashi Tharoor clarified that the Congress party is not opposed to women's reservation and is willing to pass a 33 percent reservation without delay.
What did Kumari Selja accuse the BJP of?
Kumari Selja accused the BJP-led NDA alliance of spreading confusion and attempting to make women's reservation an election issue.
What is the significance of the Women's Reservation Bill?
The Women's Reservation Bill aims to ensure that 33 percent of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies are reserved for women, promoting gender equality in politics.
