Controversy Erupts Over Delimitation Clause in Women's Reservation Bill

In a heated political discourse, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has asserted that the INDIA bloc Members of Parliament (MPs) are not opposed to women, countering accusations from the ruling NDA government. Kharge claims the government's determination to introduce a delimitation clause is a strategical move to consolidate power.

Addressing reporters at Parliament, Kharge emphasized the opposition's commitment to one-third women's reservation, which they supported in the 2023 amendment. He criticized the BJP's tactics of coupling delimitation with women's reservation legislation, indicating a bid to distort the constitutional structure to acquire executive control.

The BJP-led government faced a setback as it failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha to pass the linked bills, including the contentious Constitution Amendment Bill. Speaker Om Birla confirmed the defeat after a spirited debate. Despite promises, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that other associated bills will not be pursued further.