Indian opposition parties challenge delimitation and women’s reservation bill

The Indian government’s proposal to link women’s reservation with a constitutional delimitation exercise has triggered significant political opposition. Regional parties, including the DMK and YSRCP, have demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, complicating the government's efforts to secure the required two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Congress leaders have accused the BJP of using women’s reservation as a cover to advance a delimitation agenda that could redraw constituencies to favor the ruling party and marginalize specific communities. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the long-term constitutional consequences of the proposal.

YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed regret over his party’s previous support for the 2023 law regarding the appointment of election commissioners, stating that an examiner should not be nominated by the ruling party.