SAD backs Women’s Reservation Bill, supports uniform Lok Sabha delimitation after Modi meeting

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday (August 8) backed both the Women's Reservation Bill and the proposed delimitation exercise. The decisions were taken during a meeting of senior SAD leaders at Badal's residence in Chandigarh, coming a day after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament.

SAD backs women's quota

On women's reservation, Badal said the legislation should be put into effect without delay so that women receive their due share in elected bodies.

"The Shiromani Akali Dal draws inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who championed the dignity, equality and equal rights of women,” stated Badal in a post on X.

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Elaborating further Badal pointed out that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee had already introduced reservation for women in its House. He added that the party wanted prompt action on both women's reservation and delimitation.

SAD changes delimitation stand

The party also endorsed the Centre's proposal for a uniform 50 per cent increase in Lok Sabha seats across all states rather than basing the exercise on the 2011 Census.

Senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the Akali Dal had previously opposed delimitation linked to the 2011 population figures but revised its position after discussions within the party. According to Cheema, the aim was to ensure equal representation for every state.

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The questions of women's reservation and constituency redrawing are expected to remain at the centre of the Monsoon Session. The Union government is seeking backing for legislation that would reserve 33 per cent of seats for women in legislatures from 2029. It is also pursuing a delimitation exercise that could raise the strength of the Lok Sabha to 816 members.

Opposition pushback

Several opposition parties, especially in southern states, have objected to any redistribution of seats based on newer population data.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday argued that such a move would reduce Tamil Nadu's voice in Parliament and called on political parties to resist it.

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The SAD-BJP alliance lasted 24 years before collapsing in 2020 over the farm laws, which were later repealed.

Alliance buzz

Asked about reports of a possible alliance, Cheema said, "I can only say that the two leaders have met,” reported India Today.

Responding to comments made by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, he said, "This shows the fear of AAP."

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon avoided speculation on the matter, saying only that the Prime Minister was available to meet anyone. Punjab is scheduled to hold Assembly elections next year.