The Delimitation and Women’s Reservation Bill has shown the true colors of BJP. Where gender equality was seen as an excuse, a political strategy is being used as a delaying tactic. With the linking of 33% women’s reservation to the coming delimitation process, BJP has converted a pending reform into a political strategy. The direct effect of this act is the deprivation of the democratic right of South India. Those who were successful in population control will be punished, whereas the uncontrolled population of North India will receive rewards.
The Illusory Connection in the Delimitation and Women’s Reservation Bill.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, enacted in 2023, guaranteed one-third quotas for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. However, the BJP made the fulfillment of this promise contingent on delimitation post the next census. None in the immediate future. No empowerment now.
Simply an elusive pledge connected with delimitation, which would be done according to the census. The connection will delay any reservation for several years.
This looks to be progressive, but is actually a concealed ulterior motive. People such as DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi have strongly criticized it as redundant and detrimental. She termed the connection a “black day” for Tamil Nadu and asked whether women should have to wait for something that might favor the BJP.
Why Delimitation is Detrimental to South India’s Progress.
All the five Southern states of India including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana have done justice with the hopes of the nation. All these five southern states have been able to keep their population within limits due to strict family planning programs.
The total fertility rate of these states lies between 1.3 to 1.5 births per woman. On the contrary, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have high population growth rates at 2.8 and 2.6 respectively.
At present, there are 129 Lok Sabha seats allotted to these five southern states from the total of 543 seats available (about 24%). Based on the new population figures, their seat allocation is expected to drop significantly to 20%. Even Tamil Nadu may be forced to give up as many as 11 seats if seats were allocated solely based on population figures. Other northern states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are expected to benefit greatly.
• South India: 20% of the country’s population contributes 35% of its GDP and above.
• North India: More population equals more seats equals more power.
Tamil Nadu – The Rewarding State with Losses
The best example can be drawn from Tamil Nadu. The state was the frontrunner when it came to promoting family planning decades ago. It has one of the lowest total fertility rates in the country at merely 1.3.
Currently, there are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. With regard to delimitation based on population, the State may have to lose as much as 11 Lok Sabha seats. Thus, few representatives for raising their voice at the capital. In contrast, there could be an increase of 14 seats in the case of Uttar Pradesh. The leaders of the DMK, such as MK Stalin and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, have repeatedly emphasized that it will make the success story of the State into democracy deficit.
Confronting BJP’s Strategic Politics.
In light of delimitation favoring BJP in the Hindi belt, the delay in passing women’s reservation comes as no surprise, because BJP manages to achieve dual objectives through this strategy:
- First, the implementation gets delayed so that the party has enough time to deal with any consequences.
- Second, it transfers more seats to northern regions where BJP reigns supreme.
This is not about running the country; it is an attempt to manipulate elections under the guise of reforms. The claim of total strength of Lok Sabha reaching up to 850 on account of 50% growth of each state does not hold much water. Critics have rightly argued that in case of population basis, the southern states will still be deprived.
How Does This Legislation Impair Federalism?
The southern part of India is already underrepresented in tax distribution and resource allocation. Moreover, its political influence is now going to be undermined. The five southern states that make up only 20% of India’s total population have generated significantly more revenue and are engaged in sustainable development. However, the policies of the BJP favor the areas with a higher population rate, especially those where people have received inadequate education and healthcare, which are mostly located in the north of India.
Condemnation of the Delimitation and Women’s Reservation Bill
The Delimitation and Women’s Reservation Bill must be condemned with all the seriousness at hand. This is no reform for women; it is a violation of the rights of South Indians, an obstruction of gender equality, and an outright maneuver to maintain the BJP’s stronghold in Northern India. The development and growth of South Indians is a result of their dedication and sound policy-making. No government has the authority to punish them for this achievement. This bill must either be dropped immediately or decoupled from the discussion on women’s reservations.
