DMK MP Kanimozhi Critiques Constitution Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha

Kanimozhi's Strong Opposition to the Amendment Bill

On Friday, DMK MP Kanimozhi expressed her disapproval of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, labeling the process of increasing the number of seats as a significant assault on the federal structure. Speaking in the Lok Sabha while dressed in a black saree as a form of protest, she criticized the central government's recent notification of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023, which occurred just as discussions were underway regarding a one-third reservation for women legislators in Parliament.

Representation and Concerns Raised

Kanimozhi emphasized that she represents not only the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam but also the voices of eight crore people who have been informed that their votes will lose significance, effectively silencing them in this Parliament. She questioned the necessity of notifying the bill while discussions were ongoing, expressing her disappointment in the government's respect for the House. She argued that the three bills, which appear to support women's reservation, are actually a major attack on the federal framework.

Demographic Changes and Injustice to Southern States

Highlighting the injustice faced by southern states due to population-based delimitation, she pointed out that Tamil Nadu's fertility rate has dropped to 1.6, indicating that the state has completed its demographic transition. Kanimozhi remarked that delimitation was originally a promise made to the southern states, which have stood firm against the BJP's onslaught and emerged as models of development. She noted that the government had called for population control, which the state adhered to, resulting in a decline in fertility rates. She recalled a government in 2001 that listened to the voices from the south, suggesting that the BJP should acknowledge this.

Questioning the Need for Increased Seats

She raised a critical question regarding the need to increase the number of seats to 850. Despite claims of demographic changes, she pointed out that the government is still relying on census data from 2011, which is 15 years old. This contradiction undermines their own statements. Kanimozhi warned that many MPs may not even get the opportunity to speak in Parliament. Currently, Tamil Nadu's fertility rate stands at 1.6, lower than that of France, Australia, and the United States, while Uttar Pradesh has seen a 120% increase in population since 1971, compared to just a 15% increase in Tamil Nadu.