- Supriya Sule backs Delimitation Bill with fair state treatment.
- Sharad Pawar demands equity for states controlling population.
- NCP (SP) stance exposes internal differences in INDIA alliance.
Jagran Correspondent, Mumbai: The NCP (SP) senior leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday supported the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, which the centre is expected to introduce in the coming monsoon session of Parliament. However, she clarified that the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies should be fair for every state. Apart from this, Sharad Pawar also demanded equal treatment for all the states. The recent remarks have exposed an internal difference within the opposition INDIA alliance.
We Support Delimitation Bill: Sule
Supriya Sule stated that increasing the number of public representatives in proportion to the population is essential. The Baramati MP further asserted that her party has decided to support this constitutional amendment if it is brought in the monsoon session. However, she also pointed out that all states must be treated equally and fairly during delimitation.
Apart from this, party veteran Sharad Pawar asserted that states with good performance in population control, especially those in South India, should not be treated unfairly. The former Maharashtra chief minister stated that reducing the parliamentary representation of states that have effectively implemented family planning would be unfair.
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Maharashtra LS Seats To Increase
The parliamentary representation of Maharashtra is also expected to increase if delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies happens. The final decision will be based on the upcoming census data and the recommendations of the delimitation commission.
However, the cabinet ministers had proposed to increase the seats in each state by 50 per cent. If the proposed methodology is taken into account, the number of seats in Maharashtra will increase to 72 from 48.
This bill is expected to significantly impact the balance of state representation in the lower house and the future of politics. With NCP (SP) extending its support to the bill, divergent opinions have emerged within the opposition alliance. The opposition parties are soon likely to meet ahead of the monsoon session of the parliament to discuss the agenda and their future strategy.