New Delhi: Sonia Gandhi has raised serious concerns over the Centre’s decision to convene a special session of Parliament from April 16 to 18, asserting that delimitation—not women’s reservation—is the core issue behind the move. She described the reported plans as “extremely dangerous” and an “assault on the Constitution”.
In an opinion piece, the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson said unofficial information about the government’s intentions suggests that the delimitation exercise could significantly alter political representation in the country.
Delimitation at the centre of debate
Delimitation refers to the redrawing of parliamentary and Assembly constituencies based on population data. Gandhi warned that any such exercise must ensure fairness and equity, rather than relying solely on numerical population changes.
She argued that increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha without addressing imbalances could disadvantage states that have effectively implemented population control measures. According to her, such a move could distort the federal structure and representation principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Women’s reservation law in focus
The issue has gained prominence alongside discussions on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed in 2023, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly reached out to political parties seeking support for an amendment to the law. The proposed change aims to delink its implementation from the 2027 Census and instead base it on the 2011 Census, allowing it to be enforced ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
However, Gandhi maintained that the focus on women’s reservation is being used to divert attention from the larger and more consequential issue of delimitation.
Allegations of political strategy
Gandhi alleged that the government is attempting to use the women’s reservation push to delay the caste census while gaining political advantage ahead of elections in states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry.
She criticised what she described as the “extraordinary hurry” in convening the special session, suggesting it reflects a calculated attempt to shape the political narrative and put the Opposition on the defensive.
Accusing the Prime Minister of being “economical with the truth,” she characterised the approach as a “my way or the highway” style of governance.
Questions over Census and timing
The Congress leader also highlighted delays in conducting the national Census, which was originally scheduled for 2021 but postponed due to various reasons. She argued that the absence of updated population data raises questions about the urgency of delimitation.
Gandhi pointed out that officials have indicated key population data may only be available by 2027 through digital enumeration. In this context, she questioned why the government is pushing for immediate action rather than waiting for comprehensive data.
She further noted that delays in the Census have impacted welfare schemes, including those under the National Food Security Act, which rely on updated demographic information.
Opposition demands wider consultation
Gandhi said the Opposition had sought an all-party meeting after the conclusion of elections in West Bengal on April 29 to discuss the matter in detail. However, she alleged that the government declined the request and instead relied on public outreach rather than institutional dialogue.
She emphasised that any constitutional amendment or major policy decision should be preceded by broad-based consultations with all stakeholders.
Concerns over representation and equity
Referring to Article 334-A introduced under the women’s reservation law, Gandhi noted that the implementation of quotas is linked to the next Census and subsequent delimitation.
She reiterated that the Opposition had earlier demanded immediate implementation of women’s reservation, including from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but the proposal was not accepted.
Additionally, she called for extending reservation benefits to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), alongside the existing provisions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Conclusion
Sonia Gandhi’s remarks have intensified the political debate surrounding the upcoming special session of Parliament. By highlighting delimitation as the central issue, she has raised questions about representation, federal balance, and the timing of key legislative decisions. As the session approaches, the issue is likely to remain a major point of contention between the government and the Opposition.