India
oi-Prakash KL
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought to allay concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, asserting in the Lok Sabha that no region would face discrimination and linking the assurance to the broader push for women’s political representation.
Leading the debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill, the Prime Minister said the delimitation process “will not change anything” in terms of fairness among states and regions. He stressed that the existing proportional framework would be maintained and any future increase in parliamentary seats would follow the same pattern.
Addressing concerns about delimitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the Lok Sabha that the process won’t discriminate, linking this to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for 33% women’s reservation, requiring Lok Sabha expansion and targeting a 2029 implementation.
“Whether it is the South, North, East or West, whether small states or large states, the process will not discriminate against anyone. No injustice will be done to any region or section,” Mr Modi said, offering what he described as a “guarantee” to the House.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions, particularly in southern states, over fears that a population-based delimitation could reduce their parliamentary representation. Addressing these concerns, the Prime Minister reiterated that the government’s intent was clear and that there was no need for “playing with words”.
The assurance was delivered as part of a wider appeal to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill unanimously. Mr Modi urged members not to view the legislation through a political lens, arguing that it represents a long-pending reform aimed at strengthening women’s participation in governance.
“This should not be weighed on the scale of politics,” he said, adding that increasing representation by 33 per cent would ensure that no group’s existing share is reduced. The proposed expansion of the Lok Sabha, he noted, has been designed to accommodate the additional seats required for implementing the quota.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the quota could not be implemented in time for the 2024 general election but expressed confidence that it could be rolled out by 2029. He emphasised that the move would add “new and additional strength” to the legislative framework rather than take away from any section.
In a conciliatory gesture towards the Opposition, Mr Modi said he was willing to share credit for the passage of the Bill. “I am ready to give you a blank cheque for claiming credit,” he remarked, urging parties to come together to ensure its passage.
At the same time, he took a swipe at protests led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which has been vocal in opposing the Centre’s approach to delimitation. Referring to demonstrations involving black attire, he said such acts were akin to placing a “kala tika” to ward off the evil eye, thanking critics in a lighter vein.
The comments come against the backdrop of a strong protest call by M. K. Stalin, who has framed the delimitation issue as a threat to the political rights of southern states. He has urged widespread participation in protests, describing it as a stand against what he termed a “black act”.
The special session of Parliament, scheduled from April 16 to 18, is aimed at fast-tracking the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
The Bill also proposes a significant expansion of the Lower House-from the current 543 members to a potential 850-to accommodate the reservation without reducing existing representation. However, opposition parties argue that the broader delimitation exercise, if based purely on population, could benefit northern states disproportionately.
Despite the political divide, the government has maintained that the reform is essential and overdue. Mr Modi underlined that the proposal had been stalled for decades due to “technical excuses” and called for decisive action.
“The women of this country cannot be misled anymore,” he said, urging lawmakers to move beyond past delays and ensure the long-pending reform is finally implemented.
