Shashi Tharoor Criticizes Government's Redistricting Plans Amid Women's Reservation Debate

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has raised concerns about the government's proposed redistricting plans, alleging that they are designed to strengthen the ruling party's influence in key areas while undermining representation in weaker regions. He argues that this move is a political strategy masked as women's reservation. Tharoor calls for immediate implementation of women's empowerment measures and emphasizes the need for thorough consultations on redistricting. The Lok Sabha recently introduced several bills related to this issue, sparking further debate among opposition parties. Discover the full details of Tharoor's statements and the political implications of these developments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 14:57 IST

Concerns Over Redistricting and Women's Reservation

On Thursday, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor accused the central government of manipulating the proposed redistricting exercise to strengthen its hold in politically influential areas. He described this move as a political maneuver disguised under the guise of implementing women's reservation. Speaking to reporters, Tharoor asserted that the government aims to alter the political balance by redrawing constituency boundaries.

Tharoor emphasized that the government's strategy involves increasing the number of seats in regions where the ruling party is already strong, using women's reservation as a pretext. He referred to this tactic as a form of political demonetization.

He further argued that this process would diminish representation in areas where the ruling party's support is weak, attempting to undermine those regions while bolstering their strongholds. Tharoor contended that if the government genuinely intended to promote women's empowerment, it could have implemented reservation immediately. He urged that if the focus is truly on women's strength, the women's reservation bill should be passed today, allowing for its implementation in the next elections.

Tharoor also stressed the need for extensive consultations regarding redistricting, which should consider population growth rates and the economic contributions of different states. He insisted that a comprehensive analysis of all states' perspectives is essential. Congress MP Rajiv Shukla opposed linking redistricting with women's reservation while expressing his support for the latter. He stated that all opposition parties collectively decided to advocate for women's reservation, standing by the proposal passed in 2023. However, he criticized the government's attempt to disrupt all communities through redistricting, which he believes undermines the constitutional framework.

On Thursday, following a demand from the opposition for a division vote instead of a voice vote, the Redistricting Bill 2026, the Constitution (One Hundred Thirty-First Amendment) Bill 2026, and the Union Territory Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026 were introduced in the Lok Sabha. The division resulted in 251 votes in favor and 185 against, allowing the introduction of all three bills.