NEW DELHI: Amplifying the opposition’s protest, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi Monday raised questions about the delimitation being planned by the Modi govt by arguing that it must be preceded by a census and delimitation should be “politically equitable”. She has also sought “OBC sub-quota” for women, underlining that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had made the demand at the time of the passage of Nari Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023. In a media article, Sonia said, “It appears that some formula for delimitation is being suggested. Any delimitation must be preceded by a census exercise as in the past… any delimitation involving an increase in the strength of the Lok Sabha must be politically – and not just arithmetically – equitable. States that have been pioneers in family planning, and smaller states, must not be placed at an absolute or relative disadvantage.” She added, “A proportionate increase may, in fact, result in the loss of relative influence because the difference in absolute numbers get magnified.” “Reservation for women is not the issue here. That has already been settled. The real issue is delimitation which, based on the information unofficially available, is extremely dangerous and an assault on the Constitution itself,” she said. The Congress leader said govt should not rush through consequential amendments like delimitation, underlining that reservation for women in local bodies and panchayats came after discussions spanning five years. She said govt can call an all-party meeting after April 29 and the legislative business can be taken up in the monsoon session of Parliament in July. She accused Modi govt of “narrative management during troubled times” and dubbed the process being adopted as “deeply flawed and anti-democratic”. Meanwhile, Congress on Monday issued a whip to all Lok Sabha MPs to remain present in House for the special sitting of Parliament.
