New Delhi, April 16: Congress MP Manish Tewari has accused the central government of presenting the proposed redistricting as the ‘Women’s Reservation Bill.’ He warned that if redistricting proceeds in this manner, it could diminish the political power of border states in the Lok Sabha.
Tewari’s comments came during a lengthy debate in the Lok Sabha when Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Redistricting Bill, 2026. Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Union Territory Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
“This is essentially a redistricting bill disguised as the Women’s Reservation Bill,” Tewari stated. He pointed out that the Women’s Reservation Bill had already been passed in 2023, stipulating that its implementation would be based on the first census after 2023 and subsequent redistricting.
He questioned the central government, which previously spoke of a census after 2023, about why it has reverted to the 2011 census data. Tewari emphasized, “Nowhere in this bill does it state that the number of Lok Sabha seats will increase by 50 percent.”
He warned that decisions regarding the increase in the number of seats fall under the jurisdiction of the Redistricting Commission, not the government. Tewari alleged that the government is attempting to undermine the role of the Redistricting Commission, asserting that it cannot dictate how many seats will be added.
Discussing the potential impact of the bill, he noted that seats in Central India could rise from 199 to 308, while North-West India might see an increase of 16 seats. Punjab could grow from 13 to 19 seats, and Southern states might expand from 132 to 198 seats. Additionally, the Northeastern states could gain 14 extra seats.
He stated that the issue is not just about percentages but also about the total number of seats. Tewari argued that this could weaken the political power of smaller and border states, particularly those that have met development goals.
He pointed out that Section 3 of the redistricting bill has altered the definition of ‘population.’ Previously based on the last census, it is now linked to the census determined by Parliament.
Referencing the fundamental democratic principle of ‘one person, one vote, one value,’ he stressed the need to balance this with the requirements of the federal structure. Tewari insisted that the entire debate revolves around maintaining this balance and that serious, organized discussions are necessary rather than hastily passing the bill.
He labeled this the ‘real issue’ that is not receiving adequate attention. Tewari urged the government to implement 33 percent women’s reservation within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats instead of increasing the total number of seats. He questioned, “If the house does not function effectively with 543 seats, how will it manage with 815? Do not tamper with the number of seats in Parliament.”
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