NEW DELHI, INDIA — Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has strongly criticised the government’s approach to the Women’s Reservation Bill, alleging that the proposed process is aimed at political advantage rather than genuine reform.
Speaking in Delhi, Sibal said that the issue goes beyond a simple delimitation exercise, describing it instead as a constitutional amendment matter that directly impacts representation and democratic balance. He questioned the sequencing of the process, claiming that the government intends to carry out delimitation before implementing women’s reservation.
According to Sibal, the earlier framework of the 2023 Women’s Reservation Bill has effectively been sidelined, and the current approach risks creating confusion among the public. He alleged that the move is designed to mislead citizens about the actual intent and implications of the policy.
He further argued that the proposed delimitation could disproportionately benefit certain regions, particularly in northern India, potentially altering the balance of political representation across the country. In contrast, he suggested that any increase in seats in southern states may not significantly offset this shift.
Sibal also expressed concern over the broader political implications, stating that such changes could be aimed at consolidating power by securing a larger parliamentary majority. He warned that achieving a two-thirds majority could enable further constitutional changes, raising questions about the long-term impact on democratic institutions.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates over the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill and the role of delimitation in reshaping parliamentary constituencies. Opposition leaders have called for greater clarity, transparency, and consensus on the issue, emphasizing the need to protect the federal structure and ensure fair representation.
Kapil Sibal’s comments add to the intensifying political discourse around women’s reservation and electoral reforms, as both the government and opposition continue to present contrasting perspectives on the path forward.
