Central Ministers Advocate for Delimitation and Women's Reservation Bill

Support for Delimitation Process

On Thursday, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale expressed that opposing the delimitation process is not appropriate. He emphasized that the reservation for women and the increase in seats can only be achieved through delimitation. Speaking to a news outlet, Athawale mentioned that the number of seats in assemblies will also rise. While everyone has the right to suggest changes, he believes that opposing the delimitation bill is akin to adopting an anti-women stance. He reiterated that it is incorrect to resist delimitation, as it is essential for increasing the number of seats and providing reservations for women.

Support for Women's Reservation Bill

In a related development, Union Minister Chirag Paswan voiced his support for the Women's Reservation Bill, labeling it a long-standing demand. He pointed out that this demand has been in existence for decades and that reservation for women is crucial. Paswan expressed confusion over attempts to deprive women of these rights. He noted that sometimes the basis for reservation is the number of seats, while at other times it is based on the concept of reservation within reservation. Initially, there was collective effort to pass the bill, but now the opposition is resisting its implementation.

Opposition from DMK

Meanwhile, Dr. T. Sumathi, a leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), opposed linking delimitation with the reservation issue, stating that the party will continue its protests. She mentioned that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called upon the people of Tamil Nadu, along with party officials and MPs, to wear black clothing in opposition to the upcoming harsh and detrimental delimitation bill. Sumathi further stated that the DMK will always support the Women's Reservation Bill, questioning why it is being associated with this stringent delimitation that diminishes the power-sharing of all southern states.

Legislative Developments

Following the opposition's call for a division instead of a voice vote on three bills, the Delimitation 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 on Thursday.