Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking clarity on whether the government plans to convene a special session of Parliament to pass legislation linked to delimitation and an increase in Lok Sabha seats.
Kharge’s letter comes amid speculation following remarks by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who reportedly said in a television interview that a special session of Parliament could be called. The Congress leader suggested that the delay in formally proroguing the Monsoon Session may be connected to such a possibility.
The Monsoon Session was adjourned sine die nearly two weeks ago, but the formal notification to prorogue Parliament has reportedly not yet been issued. Congress has questioned whether the government is preparing to bring constitutional amendments concerning delimitation and parliamentary seat allocation.
The issue is politically sensitive because any change in Lok Sabha constituencies could alter the balance of representation among states. Opposition parties, particularly from southern India, have expressed concerns that a population-based delimitation could result in northern and central states gaining a larger share of seats.
The Lok Sabha currently has 543 seats, with three vacancies. A constitutional amendment requires support from two-thirds of members voting. Congress has alleged that the government previously lacked sufficient numbers to secure the required majority for legislation concerning women’s reservation and an expansion of Lok Sabha seats.
With the possibility of support from some regional parties being discussed, political negotiations could become crucial if the government decides to introduce a delimitation-related bill in a special session.
