New Delhi, October 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Congress and the DMK have backed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s demand for an all-party meeting on delimitation, arguing that while the exercise cannot be halted indefinitely, it must not be carried out in the manner proposed by the BJP, which they say could lead to unfair outcomes for several states.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said the government should consult all political parties before introducing legislation with the potential to bring significant changes to the country’s political landscape.
“Certainly, if you are bringing in a policy that has the potential to bring about radical political changes in the country, the government should make an effort to hold an all-party meeting. If we talk about the Opposition, they represent 60 per cent,” Bhagat told IANS.
He questioned how the government could proceed on such an important issue without consulting the Opposition and urged it to respect the views of parties before introducing a Bill in Parliament.
“How can you move forward by sidelining those who represent 60 per cent of the population? Therefore, before introducing a Bill or bringing a special Bill in Parliament, an all-party meeting should be held, and their views should also be respected,” he said.
DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan also maintained that delimitation was inevitable but cautioned against implementing it according to the BJP’s preferences.
“Delimitation cannot be stopped, but it should not be carried out the way the BJP wants. That would be unfair, which is why we have been fighting against it,” Elangovan said.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP V. Sivadasan said differences in population policies among states needed to be considered while determining the impact of delimitation. He also objected to linking the exercise with women’s reservation.
Sivadasan said women’s reservation was necessary but alleged that the BJP was using its linkage with delimitation to delay its implementation. He argued that the two issues should not be tied together.
Kharge had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, seeking an all-party meeting before any fresh delimitation proposal was taken forward. He also cautioned against introducing a far-reaching Constitutional Amendment Bill without adequate consultation.
In his letter, Kharge raised concerns over the delay in proroguing the Monsoon Session of Parliament. He noted that 64 days had passed since the session was adjourned sine die on August 13, while both Houses were yet to be prorogued.
Kharge said he had first written to Modi on April 11, requesting an all-party meeting before the introduction of any Constitutional Amendment Bill on delimitation.
“You did not do so. Thereafter, you made the Bills public on the late evening of April 14, and convened a special session on April 16,” Kharge wrote.
He further noted that the Constitutional Amendment Bill on delimitation failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha on April 17.
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