“‘Misleader’ PM Modi Engaged In ‘Deliberate Deceit’ On Delimitation”
FILE PHOTO: PM Narendra Modi has been heavily criticised by the Congress party on the issue of delimitation
The Congress has mounted a sharp attack on the Centre over the proposed delimitation and women’s reservation bills, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the public and engaging in what it termed “deliberate deceit.” The criticism comes ahead of a special sitting of Parliament, where the draft legislation is expected to be taken up, setting the stage for a politically charged confrontation between the opposition and the ruling alliance.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that the proposals contradict earlier assurances made by the government, particularly regarding the principle of maintaining a uniform and proportionate increase in Lok Sabha representation across all states. According to him, the emerging framework raises serious concerns about fairness and the balance of political power within the federal structure.
In a strongly worded post on X, Ramesh said, “The Prime Minister is a so-called Leader whose only distinguishing feature is his unmatched ability to be a Misleader. He is a habitual liar who cannot speak the truth, even by mistake. He has engaged in deliberate deceit with the nation over the question of delimitation.”
He further claimed that the draft Bills circulated for the special session directly contradict the assurances repeatedly given by the Prime Minister and his colleagues. “The Bills that the Modi government has circulated for the special session of Parliament contradict all the so-called assurances that he has been giving,” Ramesh said, suggesting a widening gap between the government’s stated commitments and its legislative actions.
Concerns Over Representation and Federal Balance
A key point of contention for the Congress is the potential impact of the proposed delimitation exercise on the political representation of different states. Ramesh argued that the new framework would disproportionately affect southern states, as well as smaller states in north-western and eastern India, by reducing their relative strength in the Lok Sabha.
“The southern states will lose their strength in the Lok Sabha and so will smaller states in northwest India and states in the east,” he said. Questioning the government’s earlier promises, he added, “What happened to the uniform proportionate increase of strength in the Lok Sabha for all states — that was promised by the PM and some of his colleagues? That has not happened.”
The Congress leader also cast doubt on the credibility of the Prime Minister’s assurances going forward. “His assurances cannot be trusted,” Ramesh said, adding that the issue of delimitation requires a statesmanlike approach rather than political manoeuvring. “He is unable to rise beyond his crude power-grabbing impulses and be a statesman — even on an issue as sensitive as delimitation.”
Ramesh also drew attention to the timing of the release of the draft legislation, noting that it was uploaded on the birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar. He argued that the content of the proposals runs counter to Ambedkar’s constitutional vision. “The delimitation provisions are an insult to his legacy and a reflection of his warning — delivered in the Constituent Assembly on 25 November 1949 — about the dangers of a government that isn’t guided by constitutional morality,” he said.
The delimitation exercise, which is expected to significantly increase the number of Lok Sabha seats—potentially to around 850—is being positioned by the government as a necessary step to implement the women’s reservation law before the 2029 general election. However, opposition parties argue that the manner in which it is being pursued could alter the balance of representation among states.
Political Reactions and Rising Tensions
The controversy has also drawn reactions from regional leaders, particularly in the south, where concerns about losing political influence have been most pronounced. M. K. Stalin has warned of strong resistance if the interests of his state are compromised, signalling the possibility of large-scale protests. Similarly, A. Revanth Reddy has called for a broader political dialogue, urging the Centre to convene an all-party discussion before proceeding further.
Reddy cautioned that the proposed model could “distort the federal balance,” echoing concerns raised by the Congress and other opposition leaders. These reactions underline the growing unease among several states about how the delimitation exercise might reshape India’s political landscape.
The Congress has maintained that both the intent and the substance of the proposed bills could have far-reaching implications for parliamentary democracy. By linking the delimitation process with the implementation of the women’s reservation law, the party argues, the government risks introducing structural changes without adequate consultation or consensus.
At the same time, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has defended the move, describing it as a historic step towards ensuring greater representation for women in legislatures. The women’s reservation law, which seeks to provide one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, had earlier received unanimous support, but its implementation mechanism has now become a focal point of political contestation.
As Parliament prepares for the special session, the debate over delimitation and reservation is expected to intensify. With opposition parties questioning the government’s intentions and regional leaders raising alarms about federal equity, the issue has evolved into a broader discussion about representation, constitutional principles, and the future of India’s democratic framework.
