"Any proposal to increase number of parliamentary seats by up to 50%...after discussions with all political parties": Sanjay Raut on Delimitation Bill
Mumbai, July 16
Amid intensifying speculation regarding the potential introduction of the Delimitation Bill in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut asserted on Thursday that any move to drastically expand parliamentary constituencies must involve comprehensive dialogue across the political spectrum.
Raut emphasised that the opposition INDIA alliance maintains a united front on the matter and will resist any attempt by the ruling government to enforce unilateral changes.
Speaking to reporters, Raut made it clear that individual constituents of the opposition bloc, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), are fully aligned on their legislative strategy.
"Any proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats by up to 50 per cent can only be considered after discussions with all political parties. No individual party in the INDIA alliance, including Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, or the NCP, will take a unilateral stand. Any decision on the Delimitation Bill will be taken collectively by the alliance partners," Raut stated.
Beyond the delimitation issue, the Rajya Sabha MP launched a sharp attack against Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding recent political defections. Raut fiercely rejected claims from defecting leaders that their party switches adhered to constitutional norms, labelling the movements under-the-table manoeuvres.
"I completely reject claims that 'all legal formalities' have been completed by leaders switching parties. Such defections are carried out through 'illegal formalities' and are contrary to the law. MPs leaving their party under such circumstances will ultimately lose their parliamentary membership," Raut added.Raut's statements echo sentiments shared a day earlier by NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule. Sule strongly dismissed widespread media reports suggesting her party was preparing to support the Centre's proposed Delimitation Bill, branding the rumours entirely baseless.
In a post on X, Sule clarified that the party's official policy on constitutional matters is never decided in isolation or leaked through informal channels.
"Recent reports appearing in sections of the media regarding the stand of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) on the issue of delimitation are inaccurate and speculative. I wish to clarify that neither the party nor I have had any official discussion with any media organisation on this subject. As with every issue of constitutional importance, our party's position is determined only after detailed consultations within the party and with our allies in the INDIA alliance. Therefore, any reports attributing a definitive stand to us are without basis," Sule clarified.
Sule further noted that the opposition cannot formulate a final strategy on a piece of legislation that has not yet been formally presented to lawmakers.
"It would be inappropriate to comment on any proposal until the Government formally places the revised delimitation legislation before Parliament. Since no such Bill has yet been made available, any speculation regarding its contents or our position would be premature," she added.The political manoeuvring comes in the wake of a significant legislative defeat for the ruling dispensation earlier this year. On April 17, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill--which sought to expand parliamentary seats while fast-tracking a 33 per cent reservation for women--failed to pass its Lok Sabha floor test. The bill secured 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the mandatory two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.
While political circles widely anticipate that the government will reintroduce a revised version of the bill during the upcoming Monsoon Session, scheduled to run from July 20 to August 13, the Centre has yet to issue an official confirmation regarding its legislative agenda.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Raut is right to demand all-party consultations. But let's not forget, his own party has flip-flopped on many issues. Hypocrisy much? Still, on this issue, a national consensus is critical. Otherwise, we'll have a north vs south divide like never before.
Interesting to follow Indian politics from abroad. The delimitation bill could significantly impact representation dynamics. It would be wise for all parties to sit together and find a middle ground for the sake of democratic integrity. Bold moves without consensus rarely end well.
Why is this being rushed through the monsoon session? With so many other important issues like inflation and unemployment, why this sudden urgency? Feels like the government is trying to push something while the opposition is distracted. 👀
I completely agree with Raut that defections are illegal and immoral. But look at the history - many from his own party have crossed over too! Both sides need to stop pointing fingers and instead work together on electoral reforms. The country needs laws against defection, not more drama.
The 131st Amendment Bill failing earlier shows how divided Indian politics is. A 50% increase in seats would be historic, but only if it's done transparently. Otherwise, it's just a power grab. India deserves better than political games over representation.
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