Kharge urges PM Modi to convene all-party meet on delimitation amid rising concerns
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting an all-party meeting to discuss the government's proposals on delimitation. The letter, made public by Mr. Kharge on July 16, 2026, reiterates earlier requests made to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju since March, which he said were not accepted.
Delimitation involves redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha constituencies based on population data. Southern states have expressed fears that a population-based exercise could reduce their political representation in the Lok Sabha, as they have lower population growth compared to northern states.
According to reports, the government is considering multiple options to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats for all states by 50% to address these concerns. This is part of a draft Constitution amendment Bill linked to the women's quota law. The earlier version, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in Lok Sabha on April 17, 2026.
In his letter to PM Modi, Mr. Kharge requested adequate time for Opposition parties to study the revised proposals before they are introduced in Parliament. He emphasised the need for consensus on a matter that affects the democratic balance of the country.
Top Congress leaders, including Mr. Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and others, met in Delhi on Thursday to discuss the party's strategy for the Monsoon session of Parliament starting July 20. Key issues to be raised during the session were deliberated, with delimitation being a priority.
