“We Are Not Against Women’s Reservation”: Kharge Leads INDIA Bloc Attack on Delimitation Move

A major political face-off is set ahead of the special Parliament session as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday clarified that the Opposition fully supports women’s reservation but strongly objects to the way the government is introducing the proposal, calling it “politically motivated.”

Opposition Backs Reservation, Opposes Process

Speaking after a key INDIA bloc meeting at his residence in New Delhi, Kharge said, “We are not against women’s reservation, but the way the government is bringing the bill raises concerns.” He alleged that the Centre is attempting to push the legislation by linking it with delimitation without completing the census, which could alter political representation across states.

He added that all Opposition parties are united and have decided to oppose the delimitation aspect of the proposal while continuing to support reservation for women.

Rahul Gandhi Flags ‘Power Grab’ Concerns

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi echoed the sentiment, stating that while the Women’s Reservation Bill is already part of the Constitution, the new proposal is “an attempted power grab using delimitation and gerrymandering.” He warned that such a move could lead to unfair representation, particularly impacting OBC, Dalit, Adivasi communities and smaller states.

Broad Opposition Unity on Display

The meeting saw participation from several prominent Opposition leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav, Sanjay Raut, Omar Abdullah, Supriya Sule, Sanjay Singh, and Derek O’Brien, among others, reflecting a coordinated strategy to challenge the Centre’s move in Parliament.

Opposition leaders argued that women’s reservation, delimitation, and Lok Sabha seat expansion are separate issues being “deliberately mixed” to create confusion.

Government Hits Back, Urges Unity

Responding to the criticism, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said no political party opposes women’s reservation in principle and stressed that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam had received unanimous support earlier. He cautioned that further delays in implementing reservation for women would be “extremely painful” after decades of waiting.

Parliament Showdown Ahead

The developments come just ahead of the special Parliament session beginning April 16, where the government is expected to push a constitutional amendment to implement 33 per cent reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has backed the move, calling it the “sentiment of the nation” and a long-awaited reform. With both sides firm on their positions, Parliament is likely to witness an intense debate over representation, federal balance, and the future political framework of the country.

Is the Opposition against women’s reservation?
No, Opposition parties have said they support women’s reservation but oppose the way the bill is being implemented.

What is the main concern raised by the Opposition?
They are concerned about linking women’s reservation with delimitation without completing the census.

What did Rahul Gandhi say?
He called the move a “power grab” and warned against unfair representation affecting certain communities and states.

What is the government’s stand?
The government says all parties support women’s reservation and there should be no delay in implementing it.

When will the bill be discussed?
During the special Parliament session starting April 16.