New Delhi: Ahead of the crucial Parliament session, the opposition INDIA bloc has made it clear that while it supports women’s reservation, it wants the quota implemented within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats, not through the Centre’s proposed delimitation exercise.
At a strategy meeting held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, opposition leaders agreed to oppose any move linking the Women’s Reservation Act to the 2011 Census and subsequent redrawing of constituencies.
The meeting comes just a day before the special three-day Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18, where the government is expected to bring amendments to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.
The Centre’s proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats to around 850 through delimitation has raised concerns among opposition parties. They argue the move could be politically motivated and may disadvantage southern and northeastern states.
The INDIA bloc has indicated it will push for immediate implementation of women’s reservation without waiting for delimitation, setting the stage for a sharp debate during the upcoming session.
