Government Seeks Congress Support for Delimitation and Women's Reservation

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has initiated direct talks with Rahul Gandhi to secure support for the pending Delimitation Bill. Seeking to break a long-standing legislative stalemate, the government is courting the principal opposition to help advance the proposal, which aims to expand the Lok Sabha to 850 seats.

Editorial·August 6, 2026·reads: 768

Government Seeks Congress Support for Delimitation and Women's Reservation

Rahul Gandhi has responded to the outreach by requesting a formal all-party meeting to discuss the implications of the bill. He indicated he would consult with his INDIA bloc allies before committing to a position. The government has simultaneously engaged other opposition factions, including the Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), to build a broader consensus.

While the government prioritizes cooperation with the Congress party, hurdles remain. The DMK has reportedly demanded specific assurances from the Centre before finalizing its stance. The proposed legislation, introduced on April 16, 2026, remains stalled despite its primary goals of redrawing electoral constituencies and mandating reservation for women in legislative bodies.