(Image source from: Indiatoday.in)

The Indian government has suggested increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850. This change would facilitate the long-awaited women's reservation law and a new delimitation process. According to sources, a draft bill concerning this expansion has been shared with Members of Parliament. The government intends to address important changes to the Constitution during a special three-day Parliament session. This special meeting has been called to modify rules linked to the 33 percent quota for women in Parliament and state assemblies, as well as to redraw constituencies using the 2011 Census data. By increasing the number of seats, the plan aims to make implementing the quota easier by adjusting the constituencies. Out of the proposed 850 seats, 815 would be allocated to states and 35 to Union Territories. These amendments are anticipated to take effect starting with the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The Opposition is preparing to contest the government's plan for delimitation, especially the reliance on the 2011 Census statistics. Parties like AAP, RJD, and DMK are expected to argue that the process should use the more current 2021 Census data. Sources indicate that several parties from the INDIA alliance might also want clarification on the ongoing request for a "quota within quota" for women from marginalized communities. A strategy meeting for Opposition leaders and allies, including AAP, is planned at the home of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. Leaders from Trinamool Congress and DMK, who are in power in election-bound West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, are likely to participate. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien expressed doubts about the government's motives, claiming that the proposed changes focus more on delimitation rather than on enforcing women's reservation.

"Constitutional Amendment Bills are scheduled for discussion on April 16. Where is the bill? " he inquired, highlighting the timing of this session which has been called before assembly elections taking place on April 23 and April 29. He pointed out that the BJP will need the Opposition's backing to pass constitutional amendments, which require two-thirds support in Parliament. The Opposition coalition is relying on this need to advocate for its demands and seek further clarification from the government.