Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor expressed strong objections to the government’s proposal to link women’s reservation to the delimitation process. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on April 17, he stated that this connection would “hold the aspirations of Indian women hostage” and called for a thorough examination of delimitation before proceeding.

Tharoor urged that the Women’s Reservation Bill be passed immediately, suggesting that discussions on the delimitation exercise should be deferred. He argued that the current approach to linking women’s representation to the expansion of parliamentary seats and the census data from 2011 is inappropriate. He described this tactic as encasing a “moral imperative” in complexities that might hinder progress for women in India.

In his remarks, Tharoor noted that the active involvement of women in politics should not be compromised by the “demographic minefield” presented by the delimitation process. He framed the issue as one of urgency, highlighting the readiness of the Women’s Reservation Bill for implementation without the complications of delimitation.

Federalism at Risk, Says Tharoor

Tharoor issued a warning that hastily conducting the delimitation exercise could potentially undermine the fabric of federalism in India. He pointed out that it could create significant imbalances among states, particularly between those that have effectively managed population growth and those that have not. He insisted that the government ought to deliberate carefully on the implications of this exercise.

Addressing the potential repercussions, Tharoor mentioned the need to evaluate three major faultlines involved in delimitation: balancing the representation between small and large states, the disparity between states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which have met national population goals, and northern states that have not exhibited the same control over population growth. He cautioned that the current approach might reward states that have failed to manage growth responsibly.

Tharoor described the efforts to implement the delimitation process under a rushed timeline as potentially leading to “political demonisation.” He cautioned that this speed could reinforce the position of certain states while marginalising others, further complicating the balance of power within the federation.

Political Messaging and the 50 Per Cent Formula

Tharoor questioned the political motivations behind the government’s 50 per cent formula proposed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which he described as a “precarious political statement” lacking a proper legislative promise. He emphasised that the intricacies of this formula must be considered with immense care to avoid the potential dilution of representation and fairness.

His remarks underscored a growing concern that the delimitation process should not be akin to the hasty decisions witnessed during demonetisation, which led to widespread confusion and disruption. “Delimitation done too quickly may result in greater political polarisation,” he warned, calling for a more patient approach to the deliberation process.

The ongoing discussion in the Lok Sabha surrounds the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to allocate 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. Alongside this, the Delimitation Bill intends to increase and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies, which could expand the total up to 850. Tharoor’s remarks reiterate the need for careful thought before any final decisions are made on these significant legislative proposals.

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