Centre introduces key constitutional amendment and delimitation Bills in Lok Sabha; Opposition protests over federal concerns and seat redistribution.

A heated session unfolded in the Lok Sabha as the Centre introduced a series of key legislative proposals linked to delimitation and the implementation of women’s reservation, triggering strong protests from Opposition parties.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a Bill related to delimitation, while Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced amendments aimed at operationalising the women’s reservation framework under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The proposals include provisions for seat allocation and the formation of a Delimitation Commission.

The government also moved to extend the reservation framework to Union Territories such as Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir. The broader plan includes increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha to 850 seats, with a cap on directly elected representatives from states and additional representation for Union Territories.

Opposition members, including those from the DMK, staged protests inside the House, raising concerns over federal balance and the potential impact of delimitation on state-wise representation. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi argued that the proposed changes could undermine the constitutional structure.

The session began with Speaker Om Birla paying tribute to veteran singer Asha Bhosle.

A key feature of the proposed amendment is giving Parliament the authority to determine which population data will be used for future seat redistribution—an aspect that has sparked significant political debate.

The developments mark a crucial step toward implementing women’s reservation, but also highlight deep divisions over representation and federal equity. For citizens, these changes could reshape electoral boundaries and political representation in the coming years, making the debate one of long-term national significance.