Opposition protests during the upcoming three-day Parliament session focus on the proposed Delimitation Bill, 2026, aiming to increase Lok Sabha seats to 850 using 2011 Census data. Stakeholders, especially from southern states, worry this move could benefit more populous northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, potentially upsetting the federal balance.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has cautioned of strong protests if the delimitation negatively impacts southern states. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the proposal, alleging it as a plan to divide the state by merging constituencies with neighboring states like Bihar and Odisha.
The women’s reservation Bill, introduced multiple times since 1996, has faced obstacles including lack of numbers and demands for sub-quotas within the 33% reservation. The Bill’s journey has been marked by disruptions and debates over broader reforms like decriminalization of politics and inner-party democracy.
