Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government, claiming its aim is to change the constitutional structure and centralize executive authority. He highlighted that in 2023, the Congress supported the Women’s Reservation Bill independently but now objects to its connection with delimitation, a move opposed by the Opposition. Kharge expressed concerns that the government is trying to strengthen its control by associating the Bill with delimitation.
Kharge emphasized the Congress Party’s historical support for women’s reservation, citing their backing of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023. He accused the Modi government of introducing an amendment under the guise of women’s reservation, incorporating provisions for delimitation. By merging the legislation on women’s reservation with delimitation, Kharge alleged that the government is seeking to consolidate its power.
The Congress leader insisted that women’s reservation should be implemented within the current framework of 543 Lok Sabha seats. He argued that while supporting women’s reservation, it should be within the existing seat structure, expanding post-census and delimitation. However, Kharge criticized the government for refusing to follow this approach, accusing them of attempting to change the constitutional framework and seize executive power.
Both Houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, adjourned after the Women’s Reservation Bill amendment failed to pass a crucial hurdle due to insufficient majority in the Lok Sabha. The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at enabling women’s reservation and facilitating delimitation, fell short of the required two-thirds majority. The Bill received 298 votes in favor and 230 against, leading to the government’s decision not to proceed with voting on delimitation and Lok Sabha seat expansion, citing their interconnected nature.
