The Centre is confident of securing the numbers needed to push through the proposed delimitation and women’s reservation legislation, with the government reaching out to “like-minded parties” to build
support ahead of a possible special session of Parliament later this month, sources told CNN-News18 on Friday.
Government sources indicate that the Centre remains committed to bringing the delimitation Bill and is in touch with opposition parties and regional players to assess support for the proposed legislation. The Bill is likely to be brought to Parliament once the government is assured of the numbers required for its passage, sources said.
A special session could be convened towards the end of October, though a final decision on the dates has not yet been taken. The schedule is also likely to factor in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, scheduled to be held at Samvidhan Sadan on October 26 and 27.
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The government’s outreach comes months after its earlier attempt to push the legislative package failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. The Centre is now seeking to build broader political support before bringing the Bills back to Parliament.
Government In Touch With Opposition Parties
As part of its efforts to build consensus, the government is understood to be in touch with the DMK and some smaller opposition parties. The outreach is significant given the resistance several parties have expressed over the proposed delimitation exercise, particularly concerns that a population-based redistribution of seats could affect the political representation of southern states.
The government is banking on support from parties it believes may be willing to engage with the proposal, but the final numbers will be crucial before it decides to move ahead with the legislation.
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The proposed Bills are linked to the implementation of the 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The women’s reservation law was passed in 2023, but its implementation is tied to a delimitation exercise. The Centre has sought to advance the timeline for operationalising the quota ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Why The Numbers Matter
The constitutional amendment requires a special majority in Parliament, making support beyond the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) crucial. During the earlier vote in the Lok Sabha, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to secure the required numbers, despite receiving more votes in favour than against.
The proposal had drawn opposition over the plan to link women’s reservation with delimitation and over the use of census data for redrawing constituencies. Opposition parties, particularly those from southern states, have argued that the exercise could alter the balance of representation between states.
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The Centre’s current consultations appear aimed at addressing the arithmetic before formally bringing the legislation back to Parliament. The government has not yet announced a date for the proposed special session.
For now, the indication from government sources is that the Bills remain on the agenda, but their introduction will depend on whether the Centre is satisfied that it has secured sufficient support.
