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Kamal Haasan Demands Immediate Women's Quota, Rejects Delimitation Link

Kamal Haasan has called for the immediate implementation of 33% reservation for women in legislatures without waiting for delimitation. He supports a new Private Member's Bill introduced by DMK MP P. Wilson to enact the quota independently of constituency redrawing. Haasan argues that linking the two issues would disadvantage southern states like Tamil Nadu that have controlled population growth. He urges the government to convene a special parliamentary session after ongoing elections to pass the legislation.

Key Points: Kamal Haasan Urges Immediate Women's Reservation in Parliament

  • Demands immediate 33% women's quota
  • Opposes linking reservation to delimitation
  • Backs extending delimitation freeze to 2051
  • Warns against undermining federal structure
2 min read

Kamal Haasan demands immediate women's reservation, rejects delimitation​

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan demands 33% women's quota now, opposes linking it to delimitation, warning it penalises progressive southern states.

"States that have taken progressive steps... should be seen as models, not penalised. - Kamal Haasan"

Chennai, April 18

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has called for the immediate implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, strongly opposing any move to link the measure with delimitation.​

Reacting after the fall of the delimitation-linked 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, Haasan said a Private Member's Bill has now been introduced by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament P. Wilson to provide women's reservation without tying it to constituency redrawing.​

In a post on X, Haasan argued that if the country is serious about women's empowerment, the 33 per cent quota must be implemented immediately within the existing strength of the Lok Sabha and State legislatures, without waiting for delimitation.​

He also backed the proposal to extend the freeze on delimitation till 2051, stating that such a move would allow states adequate time to achieve population stabilisation through meaningful reforms. ​

These include ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and equal employment opportunities for women, factors he described as essential to long-term demographic balance.​

Highlighting regional disparities, Haasan cautioned that linking women's reservation with delimitation could undermine India's federal structure. ​

He pointed out that southern states such as Tamil Nadu, which have prioritised population control and women-centric development, risk being disadvantaged in terms of political representation if delimitation is carried out based purely on population.​

"States that have taken progressive steps in stabilising population and empowering women should be seen as models, not penalised," he emphasised, warning against any attempt to introduce delimitation "through the back door."​

The Makkal Needhi Maiam founder further urged the Union government to convene a special session of Parliament after the ongoing Assembly elections to pass the proposed Bill. ​

He also suggested that the Centre could bring in its own legislation to ensure that women's reservation is implemented without further delay.​

Haasan's remarks add to the growing political debate over the intersection of women's reservation and delimitation, an issue that continues to draw sharp responses from parties across the political spectrum.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
I agree with the principle but have a practical concern. If implemented within existing seats, won't it just mean existing male MPs/MLAs will be replaced? The real empowerment comes from creating more opportunities, not just redistributing the same few. The bill needs to address this transition fairly.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in India for work, I find this debate fascinating. Linking it to delimitation seems like a classic political tactic to delay a difficult decision. Kamal Haasan's point about penalizing progressive states is crucial for India's federal balance. Hope they get this right.
K
Karthik V
Good move by Kamal sir. But let's be honest, reservation alone won't fix everything. As he said, we need quality education and healthcare for women first. Otherwise, we'll just see more proxy candidates controlled by family politics. The focus should be on genuine empowerment.
A
Anjali F
This is long overdue! We need more women in Parliament to raise issues that matter to us - safety, healthcare, equal pay. Waiting for delimitation is just an excuse. Other parties should support this bill without playing politics. #WomensReservationNow
V
Vikram M
While I support women's reservation, I respectfully disagree with freezing delimitation till 2051. That's too long. Population dynamics change, and representation needs to reflect that. A balanced approach is needed where women get seats AND delimitation happens based on a fair formula that rewards, not punishes, population control efforts.

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