Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed reports that the administration had proposed extending the parliamentary calendar beyond the Monsoon Session, which is scheduled to end on August 13. His clarification followed widespread claims that lawmakers could be called back days later to consider the politically contentious measures.
The denial leaves the government’s legislative strategy uncertain as it seeks wider support for changes that would expand the Lok Sabha, redraw electoral constituencies and enable the implementation of one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
The administration has continued consultations with opposition leaders despite ruling out an additional session. Rijiju held talks with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi as part of efforts to overcome the impasse surrounding the legislation and broader disruptions in Parliament.
The government had introduced three connected measures in the Lok Sabha on April 16: the Constitution Bill, the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws Bill. Together, they sought to enlarge the Lok Sabha, undertake delimitation using the latest published census data and extend related provisions to Union territories with legislatures.
The constitutional amendment failed to secure the required two-thirds majority on April 17. It received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the 352 votes required among the members present and voting. The setback stalled the wider legislative package because the ordinary delimitation measure depended on constitutional changes.
The proposed framework would increase the Lok Sabha’s elected strength from 543 to as many as 850 seats. Of these, 815 would represent states and 35 would represent Union territories. Another government calculation placed the likely operational strength at 816 under a 50 per cent expansion model.
The measures are closely linked to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed in 2023, which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The quota can take effect only after a census followed by delimitation, creating pressure on the government to complete both processes before the 2029 general election.
Opposition parties have supported greater representation for women but objected to linking its implementation with the government’s delimitation plan. They argue that the arrangement could force them to accept a contentious redistribution of parliamentary seats to secure a reform that already commands broad political approval.
Southern states fear that a population-based allocation could reduce their relative influence because they achieved lower fertility rates and stronger population control outcomes than several northern states. Their leaders contend that states which performed better on demographic targets should not be penalised through a diminished share of parliamentary representation.
The government has said no state would lose seats under its proposal because the Lok Sabha would be expanded rather than redistributing the existing 543 constituencies. It has also maintained that southern representation would rise in absolute and proportional terms. One projection would increase the combined seats of five southern states from 129 to 195, taking their share of the House from 23.76 per cent to 23.87 per cent.
Critics remain concerned about the choice of census. The Delimitation Bill provides for the latest census whose figures have been published when the Delimitation Commission is constituted. That provision could permit an exercise based on the 2011 Census instead of waiting for fresh population figures, depending on the timing of the commission’s appointment.
The commission envisaged under the Bill would be chaired by a serving or former Supreme Court judge. Its other members would include the Chief Election Commissioner, or an Election Commissioner nominated by the poll body’s chief, and the State Election Commissioner of the state concerned.
Its orders would determine the allocation of seats among states and Union territories, the number of assembly constituencies and the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly seats. Delimitation commissions traditionally exercise wide authority, and their final orders cannot ordinarily be challenged in court.
(IPA Service)
