By John Brittas, CPI(M) MP, Rajya Sabha Our worst fears have been confirmed. Far from empowering women, the National Democratic Alliance government’s real aim appears to be disrupting India’s carefully maintained federal equilibrium. The proposed delimitation will rely on the 2011 Census not 1971 to allocate seats in an expanded 850-member Lok Sabha. Despite assurances of a pro-rata increase, the bill offers no such guarantee. Women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies is non-negotiable.
