Monsoon Session: The centre is likely to reintroduce the delimitation bill, intended to increase the Lok Sabha constituencies, in the coming monsoon session of the parliament after failing to pass it in the previous session. While the ruling alliance lacked sufficient numbers in the budget session, the equation has significantly changed in the recent past after the assembly elections in five states.
DMK Agrees To Talk: Report
As per the reports, the MK Stalin-led DMK, one of the strongest critics of the delimitation bill, has agreed to talks if the government provides certain assurances. The reports suggest that the DMK could even consider supporting the bill if the government guarantees that it not harm the interests of Tamil Nadu and other southern states.
"The government should disclose each state's share. This will ensure that the southern states are not disadvantaged. This could serve as a basis for negotiations," a senior DMK leader was quoted as saying. He further clarified that no formal talks have taken place with the government yet. He further stated that the DMK is ready for conversation if the interests of southern states are protected.
Change In Equation
Earlier, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule had also stated that the party will not oppose the bill if there is a uniform increase of 50 per cent in the Lok Sabha seats of every state. While the bill received the support of 298 MPs in Lok Sabha in April, the number is likely to increase with six UBT Sena switching sides with the NDA.
The government will try to persuade the 22 DMK MPs and the 8 parliamentarians of Sharad Pawar-led NCP, as well as rebel MPs from the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT). The centre is also expected to give written assurance to the opposition parties regarding a uniform increase in the seats of every state.
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