New Delhi: The Central Government appears set to defer its plans regarding the controversial delimitation agenda and the linked women’s reservation legislation for the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, following the cancellation of a Union Cabinet meeting previously scheduled for Thursday.
The scheduling of the Cabinet meeting on August 13—the final working day of the Monsoon Session—had triggered widespread political speculation that revised Constitution Amendment Bills might receive Cabinet approval and be introduced in Parliament at the last minute. Similar parliamentary tactics were previously deployed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the passage of key criminal law amendments and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, sources indicate that the government is opting for broader stakeholder consultations rather than forcing the legislation through amidst a legislative stalemate. While official sources suggest the government has worked to build the necessary support, constitutional amendments require a special majority of two-thirds of members present and voting in both Houses. An earlier iteration of the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated by Opposition votes in April.
Parliamentary proceedings have remained severely disrupted, with the Opposition demanding a formal statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding recent student protests. Opposition parties have also forced the government to reconsider proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which may now be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Because a peaceful and orderly House is essential for conducting division votes on Constitutional Amendment Bills, ongoing disruptions have limited the government’s options. Opposition leaders have maintained strategy in the Lok Sabha, keeping the House in turmoil despite assurances from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju that the Home Minister would address the student protest issue.
With no Union Cabinet meeting scheduled before the Monsoon Session concludes on Thursday, indications point to the delimitation and women’s reservation agenda being postponed to a later date, possibly during a subsequent or special session. Speculation is also growing that the government may choose not to prorogue the Monsoon Session upon its conclusion on Thursday, keeping the option open to recall Parliament at short notice.
