Tejashwi Yadav Alleges Delimitation Push Behind Women’s Bill

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, has alleged that the Delimitation Bill has been “very cleverly” introduced alongside the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill, raising concerns about the government’s intent.

Speaking to reporters, Yadav criticised the Union government, accusing it of attempting to undermine constitutional principles and democratic processes. He further alleged that the BJP and RSS were pushing a broader political agenda through the move.

“Delimitation has been cleverly brought into this. Both are different things. Women’s reservation was passed earlier, and it was passed unanimously. Our demand was that 50% reservation should be given, but OBC women should also be given a reservation. But this did not happen. After passing it, the government says that it will be implemented in 2034. If this had to be done, then why was it not done earlier? The real issue is of delimitation; women’s reservation is being brought forward just for show. They want to destroy the constitution and democracy, which is why they are doing this. RSS, BJP want to implement their agenda, we are opposing it,” he said.

His remarks come in the backdrop of a marathon 12-hour Lok Sabha session held on Thursday to deliberate on amendments to the Women’s Reservation Bill. The amendment removes the requirement to implement the legislation only after a census is conducted.

According to the final division of votes, 251 members voted in favour while 185 opposed the measures, out of a total of 333 votes cast. With a majority backing, three Bills—including the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026—were introduced in the Lok Sabha.

The government is planning to implement women’s reservation ahead of the 2029 General Elections. This would be done by amending the 2023 Act and introducing a constitutional amendment to delink the delimitation process from the 2027 census.

Opposition parties have maintained that while they support the early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, they remain strongly opposed to the Delimitation Bill, arguing that the two issues should not be linked.