Kerala Opposition Leaders Criticize Delimitation in Women's Reservation Bill

Opposition leaders from Kerala criticized the delimitation provisions in the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill announced on Thursday. They argue it threatens democracy and skews representation in the Parliament. Concerns focus on increased seats for northern states, potentially marginalizing southern regions, amidst calls for more equitable women's representation.

Opposition leaders from Kerala have voiced strong criticism against the delimitation provisions included in the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill, expected to be introduced in Parliament. The leaders argue these provisions represent an attack on democracy. Despite supporting women's reservations, they reject the bill's current format.

Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal, alongside UDF MP N K Premachandran and CPI leader Annie Raja, assert that the Center's tactics are a veiled attempt to manipulate parliamentary representation. They highlight fears that the North's allocation could increase disproportionately, reducing the influence of southern states like Kerala.

The leaders also emphasized that the bill's provisions, deemed unconstitutional, are reminiscent of past gerrymandering in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam. They urge for the withdrawal of the amendment, advocating that women's reservations should not serve as a vehicle for broader political maneuvering.

(With inputs from agencies.)