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DMK's Kanimozhi Slams Linking Women's Quota to Delimitation as "Black Day"

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has strongly criticized the government's move to link the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill with the delimitation process, calling it a "black day" for Tamil Nadu. She expressed serious concern that using the 2011 census for delimitation would adversely affect southern states with controlled population growth, leading to a reduction in their Lok Sabha seats. The government plans to implement women's reservation by the 2029 elections by amending the 2023 Act and delinking delimitation from the 2027 census, proposing an increase of Lok Sabha seats to 850. Opposition parties worry the seat increase will not be pro-rata, disproportionately impacting states based on population data.

Key Points: Kanimozhi: Women's Quota-Delimitation Link a "Black Day" for TN

  • Opposes clubbing Women's Bill with Delimitation Bill
  • Warns of reduced seats for southern states
  • Questions lack of clarity in process
  • Govt plans 2029 implementation via amendments
2 min read

"Don't see necessity of combining Women's Reservation Bill with Delimitation": DMK's Kanimozhi

DMK MP Kanimozhi opposes linking Women's Reservation Bill to delimitation, warning it will reduce southern states' Lok Sabha seats.

"It is a black day for Tamil Nadu - Kanimozhi Karunanidhi"

Chennai, April 15

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Wednesday termed the proposed linking of the Women's Reservation Bill with the Delimitation Bill as a "black day" for Tamil Nadu, raising serious concerns over its potential impact on southern states.

Speaking to ANI in Chennai, Kanimozhi said, "It is a black day for Tamil Nadu because we don't see the necessity of combining and clubbing the Women's Reservation Bill with the Delimitation Bill."

She further questioned the lack of clarity on the delimitation process and warned that states with comparatively lesser population could face adverse consequences.

"There is no clarity on how the delimitation will be done and the states which have comparatively lesser population are going to suffer. Union Government keeps saying that we will be taken care of but we see nothing like that in the Bill. So, we are worried. If you go by the 2011 census, it will affect the southern states very badly and the number of seats will be reduced. It is a serious cause of concern. It will be taking away the rights of the people of Tamil Nadu and many states," she said.

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women legislators, is linked to the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha. The government is planning to implement the women's reservation ahead of the 2029 General Elections by bringing in an amendment to the 2023 Act and a constitutional amendment to delink the delimitation process from the 2027 census.

According to sources, the government has proposed to increase the number of seats in the House to 850, with 815 seats proposed for the States and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats at present.

The Centre has called a special sitting of Parliament from April 16 to 18.

While the seats in the Lok Sabha will witness a 50 per cent increase, the opposition parties have expressed concern as this increase will not be on a pro-rata basis for each state. The delimitation exercise, under Article 82 of the Constitution, is linked to the population of a constituency.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
This is a genuine concern for federal balance. If seats are increased based only on population, it will shift political power northwards. Southern states contribute significantly to the economy and deserve fair representation. The government must provide clarity.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Chennai, I appreciate leaders raising this issue. Women's reservation is long overdue and should be implemented independently. Clubbing it with such a contentious issue does seem like political maneuvering. Let's not hold women's empowerment hostage.
A
Arjun K
While I support women's reservation 100%, the delimitation fear is real. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala could lose out. The centre's assurance of "we will take care of you" sounds hollow without concrete provisions in the bill. Need a transparent, fair formula.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, calling it a "black day" might be too strong. The government is trying to increase total seats, which could benefit many states. But I agree, the process needs to be fair. Population control success shouldn't become a political disadvantage. A balanced approach is needed.
M
Meera T
Finally, a voice of reason! 👏 Southern states have been asking for this discussion for years. It's not about opposing women's quota, it's about protecting our democratic rights. The 2011 census is outdated; using it would be an injustice. Let's have a national consensus first.

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