Government Eyes Fresh Push for Delimitation Bill
The Modi-led central government is reportedly considering reintroducing the Delimitation Bill in Parliament, as political developments within opposition parties appear to be shifting the balance in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has said.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was earlier presented during the extended Budget Session in April, failed to clear the Lok Sabha stage. However, renewed political calculations have reportedly revived interest in bringing it back during the upcoming Monsoon Session.
Opposition Fragmentation May Alter Parliamentary Equation
According to Athawale, ongoing internal tensions within parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) could significantly impact numbers in the Lower House.
He suggested that if a section of TMC MPs and six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the ruling coalition’s strength would see a notable increase, potentially paving the way for smoother passage of the Bill.
Claims of Further Political Realignments
Athawale also claimed that more political shifts could be on the horizon, including the possibility of some Lok Sabha members from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) moving closer to the NDA.
He further stated that changes in alliances involving regional parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), could also influence parliamentary dynamics in favour of the ruling coalition.
NDA Strength and Parliamentary Numbers
The NDA currently holds 293 seats in the Lok Sabha. Reports suggest that if support from rebel groups within TMC materialises, the coalition could gain around 20 additional members.
Any further division within Shiv Sena (UBT) would further strengthen the ruling bloc’s position, according to political assessments.
Debate Over Opposition Alliances and Future Support
Athawale also highlighted what he described as shifting political alignments, claiming that certain opposition parties are reconsidering their positions in broader alliances.
He suggested that the DMK distancing itself from opposition coordination could influence voting patterns in Parliament, particularly on key legislative matters like delimitation.
Political Momentum Builds Ahead of Monsoon Session
With the Monsoon Session approaching, political observers believe the government may attempt to reintroduce the Bill if numerical support appears stable.
