New Delhi — Congress general‑secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh told reporters on Thursday that the ruling government lacks the parliamentary numbers to pass two pending bills: the Delimitation Bill, which seeks to redraw constituency boundaries, and the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, which would allow the removal of ministers by a simple majority.
Ramesh said the proposals, introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party‑led administration, face “an uphill battle” in the Lok Sabha, where the coalition does not hold a clear majority. He added that the opposition is “prepared” for the legislative push and will challenge the measures in Parliament and, if necessary, in the courts.
The Delimitation Bill, tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, proposes to update the electoral map based on the 2031 census, a move the government argues is necessary to reflect demographic changes. Critics, including Ramesh, contend that the timing could advantage the ruling party ahead of the next general election.
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, also introduced this week, seeks to amend Article 75 of the Constitution to permit the removal of a minister by a simple majority vote, rather than the current requirement of a no‑confidence motion. The government says the change will increase accountability, while opposition leaders argue it could destabilise the executive and be used for political vendettas.
Ramesh did not provide specific vote counts but referenced the coalition’s reliance on support from regional parties and independents, which he said “may not be enough” to secure passage of either measure. He warned that “if the government tries to force these bills, we will use every democratic tool at our disposal.”
The Lok Sabha currently has 543 elected members. The BJP and its allies hold 303 seats, short of the 272‑seat majority required to pass legislation without external support, according to official parliamentary records.
Analysis:
If the Delimitation Bill passes, it could reshape electoral constituencies ahead of the 2029 general election, potentially altering the balance of power in several states. The opposition’s concerns about timing reflect broader anxieties that delimitation could be used to consolidate the ruling party’s vote base.
The proposed 130th Amendment would lower the threshold for removing a minister, shifting political dynamics within the cabinet. While the government frames it as a transparency measure, opposition leaders fear it could be weaponized to destabilise ministries, especially in coalition contexts.
Both bills will now undergo debate in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Their fate will hinge on the government’s ability to secure additional support from regional partners or independent members, as well as on any legal challenges that may arise.
Sources
– “We are prepared for 2‑D bills — delimitation and dismissal: Jairam Ramesh,” The Hindu, 7 April 2024, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/we-are-prepared-for-2-d-bills-delimitation-and-dismissal-jairam-ramesh/article71185925.ece.
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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