Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor Slams Government Over Women's Reservation and Delimitation Link
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday launched a sharp critique against the government for connecting the implementation of women's reservation with the delimitation process. The Thiruvananthapuram MP asserted that the law should be enacted immediately rather than being tied to the lengthy and complex delimitation exercise.
Call for Immediate Action and Comprehensive Debate
Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament House complex, Tharoor emphasized that the Opposition fully supports women's reservation but questioned the necessity of linking it with delimitation. "We don't have any problem with women's reservation, they can do it immediately, but why delimitation is being included, this is our question," he stated firmly.
Tharoor highlighted that delimitation involves numerous critical issues requiring extensive discussion, which cannot be rushed through in just two to three days. "There are many issues related to delimitation, a long discussion is required, but they want to wind up in 2-3 days, this is not possible," he explained, advocating for a more thorough and inclusive parliamentary debate.
Government Could Implement Reservation Separately
The Congress leader stressed that the government has the capability to proceed with women's reservation independently if it is decoupled from delimitation. "If the government wants this women reservation, they could have done it in 2023, they should do it now, we will support -- no delimitation, just women's reservation bill," Tharoor declared, offering unconditional support for a standalone reservation bill.
His remarks followed the introduction of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, aimed at amending the women's quota law. This bill was presented alongside two ordinary bills—the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill—designed to implement the proposed amended women's quota law in the Union territories of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Concerns from Southern States and "Political Demonetisation"
Tharoor also pointed to significant concerns raised by southern states regarding the delimitation process, describing it as "political demonetisation." He drew a parallel with the government's previous demonetization move, suggesting that the current approach lacks proper forethought and consultation.
"The manner in which you are doing delimitation -- the way you did demonetisation without thinking. We don't want this political demonetisation. There should be a big debate; what should be the formula, only population cannot be the basis. Speak with south, northeast, small states," he urged, calling for a more balanced and representative formula that considers regional disparities beyond mere population metrics.
Reiterating Support for Immediate Reservation Implementation
Despite his criticisms of the delimitation process, Tharoor reiterated his strong backing for the immediate implementation of women's reservation. "A detailed discussion is required on delimitation but right now, there should be immediate implementation of women's reservation. We will support it immediately," he affirmed, underscoring the Congress party's commitment to gender equality in political representation.
Tharoor's statements highlight a clear political divide, with the Opposition demanding swift action on women's reservation while cautioning against hasty and potentially inequitable delimitation procedures that could disadvantage certain regions of the country.
