Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a decision that has taken the opposition by surprise, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s party has indicated it will support the Modi government’s 131st Constitution (Amendment) Bill, better known as the Delimitation Bill, if introduced during the upcoming Monsoon Session, a move being seen as highly significant given the party’s position within the opposition camp.
Supriya Sule Confirms Support, Sets Condition on Seat Increase
NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule said on Wednesday that her party would support the central government’s proposed delimitation bill, though she added a condition that the Centre must ensure a uniform 50 percent increase in Lok Sabha seats across all states.
Government Prepares to Reintroduce Bill Amid Opposition Unease
Parliament’s Monsoon Session is set to begin on July 20, ahead of which the government has called an all-party meeting on July 19. Reports suggest the Modi government is preparing to reintroduce the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill during the session, a development that has caused unease among opposition parties. While NCP (SP) has not issued any official statement on the matter yet, sources indicate the party is likely to vote in favour of or support the bill. The delimitation bill pertains to the process of redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and state assembly constituencies based on census data.
Previous Attempt to Pass Similar Bill Fell Short in April
Notably, a related constitutional amendment bill covering women’s reservation and delimitation was introduced during a special parliamentary session in April but failed to pass. Had it been approved, the number of Lok Sabha seats would have increased from 543 to 850. At the time, the bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, out of 528 members present, falling short of the required 352 votes by a margin of 54.
