With the Monsoon Session of Parliament set to commence on July 20, the Opposition INDIA bloc is split on the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which previously tied the delimitation exercise with women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. The Bill, which failed to pass through the Lok Sabha during the Budget session in April, has sparked differing opinions among political leaders.
Congress leader Nana Patole clarified the party’s stance, emphasizing that their objection lies in the central government’s alleged attempt to centralize power under the guise of delimitation. While expressing support for the existing delimitation provision in the Constitution, he highlighted concerns over the government’s motives in determining the number of MPs and MLAs.
Addressing the delayed implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in 2023, Patole criticized the government’s prioritization of the 50% Reservation Bill over the pending 2023 Bill. He underscored the Opposition’s resistance to what they perceive as the government’s overreach and disregard for established constitutional provisions.
NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule refrained from commenting on the Delimitation Bill, citing the lack of clarity until the Bill is officially presented for review. Meanwhile, Congress MP Jothimani raised objections to the proposed Bill, labeling it as detrimental to certain states and accusing the government of misrepresentation by linking it to the Women’s Reservation Bill.
RJD chief spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav characterized the delimitation exercise as a sensitive issue, emphasizing regional disparities in sentiments. He advocated for the government to prioritize the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill of 2023 before proceeding with delimitation, echoing concerns over the government’s handling of the legislative agenda.
