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CPI(M) MP Backs Women's Quota, Questions Timing of Special Parliament Session

CPI(M) MP John Brittas has welcomed the move to implement the Women's Reservation Bill from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, a cause his party has long championed. However, he criticized the timing of the special Parliament session, arguing it should have been deferred until assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu conclude. Brittas also raised serious concerns about a proposal to significantly increase Lok Sabha seats, warning it would disproportionately benefit northern states and undermine federal balance. He urged the government to resolve these issues while pledging his party's support for the bill's amendments.

Key Points: MP Questions Timing of Women's Reservation Bill Parliament Session

  • Supports women's reservation from 2029
  • Criticizes session timing during state polls
  • Warns seat expansion skews power north
  • Urges government to address federal balance
2 min read

CPI(M) MP John Brittas backs women's reservation quota, questions timing of special Parliament sitting

CPI(M) MP John Brittas supports women's quota but criticizes special Parliament session timing during state elections and seat expansion plan.

"This undermines the federal balance and diversity that strengthen our democracy. - John Brittas"

New Delhi, April 13

Communist Party of India or CPI MP John Brittas on Monday welcomed the move to implement women's reservation quota after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a letter calling a special sitting in Parliament.

The Parliament will discuss the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill from April 16 to 18.

Taking it to X, he expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister. Brittas said that the CPI (M) will support its amendments so that it is made applicable in the next elections.

"Thanking Prime Minister, for the letter regarding the special Parliament sitting starting 16th April. We welcome the move to implement women's reservation from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections -- a historic step for Nari Shakti. We have long championed this cause. When the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was introduced in 2023, we had raised concerns over delays and had moved amendments for its immediate effect. While those suggestions were not accepted then, we will support the proposed changes to make it applicable from the next elections," Brittas said.

He further expressed concern over the special sitting being called during the critical election time, saying that the party had urged the Centre to defer the meeting until the Assembly elections conclude in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

"However, the hurried special sitting and bundled amendments on massive seat expansion raise serious questions. Two key states -- West Bengal and Tamil Nadu -- are in the midst of crucial assembly elections. We had formally requested the Government to defer until these are concluded," he said.

Meanwhile, Brittas said that the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats will add over 200 seats to the northern States but only 65 to the southern States, undermining the federal balance and diversity in democracy, urging the government to figure out a resolution to such issues.

"The proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats by ~50% (from 543 to 816) on a pro-rata basis, will add over 200 seats to northern states but only around 65 to southern ones. In politics, absolute numbers matter rather than ratios or percentages. This undermines the federal balance and diversity that strengthen our democracy. We urge the Government to look into all these issues," he said.

Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi wrote a letter to Floor Leaders of all parties in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha requesting them for their support in the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, saying that this moment stands above any party or individual.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Brittas raises a valid point about the timing. Calling a special session when two major states are in the middle of elections does seem politically motivated. The government should have waited a few more weeks.
S
Sarah B
The seat expansion issue is concerning. Adding so many more seats to the north compared to the south will tilt the balance of power unfairly. Federalism is a cornerstone of Indian democracy and this needs careful review.
A
Arjun K
Good to see cross-party support on women's reservation. It's a cause bigger than any political party. But the implementation should be faster. 2029 is too far away. Let's make it happen for 2024 itself!
M
Meera T
As a woman from Tamil Nadu, I appreciate Brittas highlighting the election clash. Our focus is on the state elections right now. Delhi politics can wait a month. This feels like a distraction tactic.
K
Karthik V
The pro-rata seat increase based solely on population is an old debate. Southern states have controlled population growth better and now get penalized with less political representation? Where is the incentive for good governance? This needs a national consensus.

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