Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addresses a press conference after a meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders in New Delhi on Wednesday (April 15). Photo: PTI
Opposition backs women’s quota, opposes delimitation move: Kharge
The Congress party and its allies allege the Centre is linking key reforms for political gain ahead of elections; Kharge accuses Centre of ‘playing tricks’
The Opposition on Wednesday (April 15) reiterated its support for women’s reservation in legislatures but strongly opposed the proposed delimitation exercise, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accusing the Centre of “playing tricks” by linking the two issues.
Speaking after a meeting of Opposition parties, Kharge said there was consensus among non-BJP parties to back the Women’s Reservation Bill while rejecting any move towards delimitation without clarity on the Census.
“We are in favour of women’s reservation, but they are playing tricks with delimitation. All Opposition parties have decided to oppose this Bill. We are not against women’s reservation, but there is no clarity on the Census. We are definitely against the delimitation Bill,” he said.
Kharge also confirmed that the Opposition would vote against any legislation related to delimitation if brought before Parliament.
Also Read: Women’s reservation a smokescreen for delimitation, warns activist Anjali Bhardwaj
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh echoed the concerns, alleging that the ruling BJP was attempting to use delimitation as a political tool to secure an electoral advantage. He claimed that the timing of the proposed measures — amid ongoing elections — raised serious questions about the government’s intent. He further said the Congress had earlier demanded that women’s reservation be implemented from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but the proposal was not accepted at the time.
“Now suddenly, in the middle of elections, they have brought these Bills and linked delimitation with women’s reservation,” he said.
He also asserted that the BJP was facing electoral challenges in key states such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, and alleged that the delimitation exercise was being used as a “weapon” to secure a parliamentary majority.
The Opposition has demanded that one-third reservation for women be implemented based on the current strength of the Lok Sabha, without linking it to future delimitation.