Mallikarjun Kharge Advocates for Stability in Lok Sabha Strength for Next 25 Years

In a significant move, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a request to maintain the current strength of the Lok Sabha at 543 seats for the next quarter-century. In his letter, Kharge emphasized the importance of this stability, especially in light of the proposed delimitation exercise by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

Delimitation refers to the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries, a process that can have profound implications for representation in Parliament. Kharge called for an all-party meeting to engage in discussions about the government’s plans, stressing that any changes should not be rushed through without adequate scrutiny. He pointedly remarked that the process was of “enormous significance” for the democratic fabric of the nation.

Furthermore, Kharge advocated for the implementation of one-third reservation for women in the upcoming 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He believes that this step is crucial for enhancing female representation in Indian politics. The Congress leader also expressed concerns regarding the urgency with which the BJP government attempted to push through the delimitation proposal during a special session of Parliament in April.

During that three-day session, the Union government introduced the 2026 Constitution 131st Amendment Bill, aimed at amending the Women’s Reservation Act of 2023 and adjusting electoral boundaries accordingly. The bill, along with two other legislative proposals, was introduced with the intent of passing with a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which raised eyebrows among opposition parties regarding its timing and necessity.

Kharge’s letter highlights a growing unease among opposition factions regarding the government’s approach to significant electoral reforms. He urged the administration to allow all political parties sufficient time to deliberate on the delimitation proposal before it is potentially presented in a special parliamentary session. His appeal serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in democratic governance, particularly when it comes to ensuring fair representation across the political spectrum.

Source: scroll.in