New Delhi: Leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc on Wednesday declared a unified stand against linking the Women’s Reservation Bill to a delimitation exercise, following a high-level strategy meeting at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi.
Speaking after the meeting, Kharge asserted, “We are united and have decided to oppose the delimitation bill,” highlighting rare cohesion among opposition parties ahead of the upcoming special session of Parliament. The meeting, attended by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders from across parties, centred on concerns over the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The alliance voiced strong objections to making the 33% reservation for women contingent on a future delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census, warning that such a linkage could significantly delay implementation. Leaders argued that the proposal risks turning a long-pending reform into “politics over the law” while potentially skewing representation in favour of certain regions and political forces.
Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said the Opposition had met to craft a joint strategy for the special session, describing the government’s delimitation move as “dangerous” with “grave concerns” for India’s democratic framework, particularly the balance of power among states.
The meeting brought together leaders from Congress, DMK, TMC, Samajwadi Party, RJD, Left parties and several regional groups, signalling a coordinated push to counter the Centre’s legislative agenda. Participants agreed that women’s reservation should be implemented independently of any seat reorganisation process, which they cautioned could take years.
The Opposition’s stance comes amid intensifying political rhetoric. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien accused the Centre of using women’s reservation as a “pretext” for a “devious” delimitation agenda, alleging it undermines constitutional values and genuine empowerment.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also sharpened his attack, accusing the government of “deliberate deceit” and warning that the proposed changes could disproportionately impact southern, eastern and smaller northern states. He questioned the Centre’s commitment to a uniform increase in parliamentary seats, suggesting earlier assurances had been abandoned.
Adding to the chorus of concern, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin termed the proposal a “massive historic injustice,” alleging it would penalise states that have driven national growth. He also called for black flag protests across Tamil Nadu, indicating rising regional resistance.
The development comes as Parliament prepares for a three-day special session beginning April 16, with both the ruling NDA and the opposition issuing whips to ensure full attendance. With women’s reservation and delimitation set to dominate proceedings, Wednesday’s meeting has set the stage for a sharp political showdown.
