New Delhi, April 17: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Lok Sabha regarding the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ and the topic of redistricting. He emphasized that no one has opposed the constitutional amendment for women’s reservation. He noted that while all parties welcomed the amendment, members of the India Mahagathbandhan clearly opposed the women’s reservation aspect.
Shah stated that the primary aim of these three bills is to implement constitutional reforms for women’s empowerment in a timely manner, ensuring that the elections in 2029 are conducted with women’s reservation in place. He also highlighted the principle of one person, one vote, one value, which is fundamental to the Constitution, and aims to uphold its spirit.
In his speech, Shah pointed out that those opposing redistricting are, in fact, opposing the increase of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). He reiterated that there have been no objections to women’s reservation, but members of the India Mahagathbandhan have used conditional phrases to express their opposition.
Amit Shah mentioned that around 133 members participated in the discussion on this significant constitutional amendment, including 56 women, marking a notable record. He addressed concerns raised by several members about the timing of redistricting, clarifying that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam specifies that redistricting will ensure women’s reservation following the census in 2026.
He explained that the mention of this provision was not arbitrary; it was established during Indira Gandhi’s government in 1971, necessitating its inclusion. The Constitution provides for periodic redistricting, which also allows for an increase in seats for SC and ST communities as their populations grow. Those opposing redistricting are, in essence, opposing the increase of SC/ST seats.
Shah highlighted the disparity in representation, noting that some constituencies have one representative for 4.5 million voters, while others have one for just 600,000. This results in unequal voting power across constituencies.
He assured the opposition that if they support redistricting, every vote will carry equal weight in each constituency.
Leave a Comment