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Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday expressed support for the proposed women’s reservation framework but raised sharp concerns over the manner in which delimitation and seat expansion are being linked to it, cautioning that the exercise must remain fair, transparent and free from political bias. His remarks came after the introduction of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, along with the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, following a division vote.
Support for quota, but questions on the seat expansion formula
Mann said his government fully supports women’s reservation but argued that it should either be implemented based on the current Lok Sabha’s 543 seats, or any expansion of seats should ensure that all states benefit proportionately. He warned that selective increases could distort federal balance, suggesting that if Parliament’s strength is raised to around 850 seats, then states like Punjab should see a proportional rise—from 13 seats to around 20—rather than uneven adjustments. “If one state’s seats are being increased significantly, the same principle must apply across the board,” he asserted.
Allegations of political bias in delimitation
The Chief Minister alleged that the proposed approach risks favouring regions where the ruling party performs well electorally while limiting representation in others. Without naming specifics, he claimed that “where they win, seats are being increased, and where they lose, numbers are kept lower,” adding that delimitation “should not happen with wrong intentions.” He stressed that such a crucial democratic exercise must not be driven by political considerations but guided by fairness and national interest.
Demand for a fresh census-based exercise, AAP backs criticism.
Mann also argued that delimitation should ideally be conducted using data from the upcoming Census rather than older population figures to ensure accuracy and legitimacy. Echoing similar concerns, Manish Sisodia accused the Centre of attempting to “tamper with the structure of seats” under the guise of implementing the women’s quota law, alleging that the approach undermines the country’s demographic balance. Despite backing the reservation policy, AAP leaders maintained that the method of seat redistribution must be equitable and consistent.
The debate over delimitation and women’s reservation is now shaping into a larger political contest over representation, with questions of federal fairness and electoral balance likely to dominate discussions as the Bills move forward in Parliament.
