Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed concern over linking women’s reservation with delimitation. He said that the government should talk to the southern and smaller states in detail on this. Tharoor also raised questions on the timing of this law and called it a matter related to the unity of the country.
Nari Shakti Vandan Act: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday expressed deep concern over linking women’s reservation with delimitation (ie reassignment of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats). He said the government should have consulted extensively on this issue, especially with southern and smaller states. Tharoor clearly said, “We have no problem with women’s reservation, but why are you including delimitation in it? There are many issues and questions regarding delimitation.
“There is a need for a long discussion on this, but the government is not ready to talk on it,” he told reporters. There are many questions in the minds of our South Indian states.” Tharoor also questioned the timing of bringing this law. He asked, “If the government wanted only women’s reservation, then why did it not happen in 2023? We are still ready for it, but why are you doing this delimitation?” Cautioning against linking the two issues together, Tharoor said, “This is a matter of the unity of our country. Talk to South India, North-East, Goa and other smaller states.”
Bill passed in Lok Sabha amid opposition’s concerns
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, 2026 were introduced in the Lok Sabha and after consideration, they were tabled for passing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought unanimous support from everyone on these bills. At the same time, opposition parties have expressed strong concern over the delimitation bill. The opposition says that they are in favor of implementing the Women’s Reservation Act as soon as possible, but strongly oppose the Delimitation Bill. The government has called a special session of Parliament on April 16, 17 and 18 to pass amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.
According to the final results of voting, out of total 333 votes, 251 votes were cast in favor of the bill and 185 votes were cast against it. With a majority of 251 votes, all three bills including the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, 2026 were introduced in the Lok Sabha.