Days after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an all-party meeting on delimitation and the women's quota bill, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has responded, citing Congress's reluctance to discuss the legislation despite the government's persistent efforts.

In a letter to Kharge, Rijiju recalled three instances when the government formally approached the party but received no response.

When did Centre approach Congress?

Rijiju said that apart from personal reach-outs, the government tried to seek discussion with Congress in letters dated March 16, March 26 and April 12.

"The government has consistently sought the Opposition’s support and cooperation for the consideration and passage of the delimitation amendment bill. The government has reached out to the Congress party, being the principal opposition party, on several occasions. I wrote to you on 16 March 2026, 26 March 2026 and 12 April 2026 in this regard," Rijiju said.

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Is govt looking to bypass Congress?

Rijiju further indicated that the government is bypassing the principal Opposition party, given its alleged unresponsiveness, to reach out to other regional political outfits to garner support for the bill.

"However, after repeated requests, the Congress party didn’t give dates for discussion, after which the government’s outreach had extended to other political parties," Rijiju told Kharge in his letter.

Whom did the Centre reach out to?

Rijiju further told Kharge that the Centre's outreach has extended to parties like DMK, Samajwadi Party, YSRCP, NCP-SP, Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM and BJD.

"Consultations were held with representatives of parties including the DMK, SP. YSRCP, NCP. Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM and BJD with a view to facilitating dialogue and building a broader consensus in support of the proposed legislation," he said.

"However, after repeated requests, the Congress party didn’t give dates for discussion, after which the government’s outreach had extended to other political parties. Consultations were held with representatives of parties including the DMK, SP. YSRCP, NCP. Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM and BJD with a view to facilitating dialogue and building a broader consensus in support of the proposed legislation," Rijiju said.

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Earlier reports have suggested that DMK, NCP-SP and YSRCP may extend support to the BJP-led NDA's renewed push if the assurances of a blanket 50 per cent increase in seats across the states and UTs are provided in the draft.

If consensus is reached, the NDA would not only get the bill through Parliament but also raise questions on Congress's leadership in keeping the Opposition intact against the BJP.