Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured the numbers required in the Lok Sabha to move forward with the Centre’s ambitious Women’s Reservation Bill and the proposed Delimitation Bill, according to sources. The Prime Minister is also learnt to have indicated that if the legislation cannot be taken up during the ongoing Monsoon Session because of the continuing confrontation between the government and the Opposition, the Centre could consider convening a special session of Parliament later this month.
The developments came during a crucial breakfast meeting of NDA MPs on Friday, held against the backdrop of repeated disruptions in Parliament and the government’s continuing efforts to reach out to the Opposition to restore normal legislative functioning.
According to sources, the government has so far secured the support of around 366 Lok Sabha MPs for taking forward the delimitation process. The figure assumes significance because any major constitutional or legislative exercise involving the composition of Parliament requires broad political support.
Around 45 NDA MPs, including lawmakers from the Shiv Sena, NCP and other alliance partners, attended the meeting. Modi interacted with MPs individually and discussed issues relating to their constituencies, development projects and efforts to strengthen public outreach.
Delimitation is emerging as one of the most politically consequential issues facing Parliament, particularly because any redistribution of Lok Sabha seats based on population could have significant implications for the political representation of different states.
Sources said Modi assured NDA MPs that the concerns and interests of their respective constituencies would be taken into account during the delimitation exercise. The message appeared aimed at reassuring MPs amid apprehensions that changes in the allocation of parliamentary seats could alter the existing political balance between states and regions.
The Prime Minister’s reported assertion that the NDA has the backing of around 366 MPs indicates that the government is confident of taking the process forward. If the Bills cannot be introduced and considered during the Monsoon Session because of the continuing parliamentary impasse, a special session later this month is reportedly being considered.
The proposed legislation on women’s reservation is also closely linked to the broader delimitation exercise. The government has already legislated for greater representation of women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, with its implementation linked to a future delimitation exercise and census.
The possible move to advance the Women’s Reservation Bill and delimitation legislation would represent a major political and institutional initiative for the Modi government. Women’s representation has remained a significant component of the government’s political messaging, while delimitation could reshape electoral representation for decades.
At the NDA meeting, however, the Prime Minister’s focus extended beyond Parliament and legislation. He urged MPs to intensify their engagement with young people, particularly members of Generation Z, following recent student protests and growing concerns among younger voters.
Modi advised MPs to communicate government schemes and achievements directly to young people while also listening carefully to their concerns. Regular interaction with young voters, he stressed, would be essential to understand dissatisfaction and address issues before they develop into larger political challenges.
The emphasis on youth outreach assumes particular importance at a time when social media and digital platforms have transformed political communication and younger citizens increasingly expect direct engagement from elected representatives.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns among MPs belonging to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena regarding the constitutional and political issues surrounding the party.
According to sources, Modi said decisions relating to the party had been taken within the constitutional framework. Although related matters remain pending before the Supreme Court, he reportedly assured the MPs that there was no threat to their membership.
The reassurance comes against the backdrop of continuing legal and political questions surrounding the split in the Shiv Sena and the subsequent formation of the Maharashtra government.
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