Congress Member of Parliament Jairam Ramesh stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address in the Lok Sabha did not tackle the Opposition’s concerns regarding the delimitation bill. The Prime Minister’s speech lasted for forty minutes, during which he reportedly did not mention any of the significant issues surrounding delimitation, according to Ramesh.

In a statement shared on X, Ramesh claimed that the government has not included the Opposition in discussions related to the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill. He highlighted that several requests for an all-party meeting to discuss these matters had been disregarded, stating, “Uncharacteristically, the non-grihasthi Prime Minister delivered only a 40-minute speech.” He suggested that Modi focused on other issues rather than the primary topic at stake.

Ramesh stressed that the Prime Minister’s calls for bipartisan dialogue seemed insincere, alleging that confidence in a cooperative approach had not been fostered by the government. He pointed out that despite Modi’s claims of engagement with all political parties, repeated invitations for a meeting following the election campaigns in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal had been declined.

Concerns Over Lack of State Consultation in Delimitation Process

Jairam Ramesh also expressed concern that the government failed to consult with state governments prior to initiating the delimitation process at both the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly levels. He asserted that there has been no formal or informal communication with the states regarding the details of the engagement, which he believes is critical.

The Congress MP reiterated that the government’s lack of transparency in sharing the specifics of the delimitation process is troubling. According to Ramesh, the introduction of bills designed to alter the composition of Lok Sabha seats without prior consultation could have significant implications. He urged the government to commit to a clear, written outline of how the delimitation procedure will unfold.

Ramesh’s statements highlight the urgency of addressing these matters, especially as the government pushes forward with proposed legislative changes that could reshape the electoral landscape. He articulated that the ongoing deliberations lack the necessary consensus, which is vital for a fair and democratic process.

Prime Minister Modi’s Assurance on the Delimitation Bill

During his address, PM Modi stated that the Delimitation Bill, 2026, which aims to increase Lok Sabha seats in light of women’s reservation, would not lead to discrimination against any group. He assured the House that the existing proportions of seat allocation, established under previous administrations, would remain unchanged.

Modi’s remarks aimed to reassure the Parliament and the public that the revision of the delimitation process will adhere to principles of fairness and equality. He emphasised that the initiative shall not undermine the existing seat distribution ratios, which are intended to reflect both representation and merit.

The introduction of the Delimitation Bill, alongside the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, marks a pivotal step amidst political tensions. The Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, initiated the division to introduce the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, following opposition calls for a more extensive debate.

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