Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has sharply criticised the Centre’s decision to convene a special session of Parliament on April 16, warning that the real issue isn’t women’s reservation but delimitation, which she calls “extremely dangerous” and an “assault on the Constitution.”

In an opinion piece published in The Hindu, she argues that the government’s urgency raises serious questions about intent, timing, and transparency.

While the government is expected to bring legislative proposals, Gandhi claims the spotlight is being deliberately shifted.

“The process is deeply flawed and anti-democratic. Reservation for women is not the issue here. That has already been settled. The real issue is delimitation which based on the information unofficially available, is extremely dangerous and an assault on the Constitution itself.”

Delimitation, the process of redrawing parliamentary constituencies, could significantly alter political representation, especially for southern and smaller states that have controlled population growth.

Gandhi questioned why the session is being held in the middle of election campaigns in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, instead of after April 29 as requested by opposition parties.

“There can be only one reason for the extraordinary hurry, which is to derive political advantage and place the Opposition on the defensive.”

She also criticised the Centre for refusing calls for an all-party meeting, calling the move “an underhand tactic” reflecting a “my way or the highway” approach.

Referring to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, Gandhi highlighted a key condition:

Reservation (33%) will only kick in after the next Census and delimitation

Opposition had pushed for implementation from 2024 Lok Sabha elections

“Why did it take the Prime Minister 30 months to make his U-turn?”

She claims the government now plans to shift implementation to 2029, raising concerns about delays and shifting commitments.

Census delay & caste census debate

Another major flashpoint: the delayed 2021 Census, now pushed to 2027.

Gandhi argues this delay has real consequences:

  • Over 10 crore people may be missing out on benefits under welfare schemes
  • Questions raised over the timing of a digital Census 2027

She also accused the Centre of trying to “delay and derail” the caste census, despite earlier commitments.

Lessons from the past

Gandhi pointed to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which introduced women’s reservation in local bodies after years of consultation.

“There are about 15 lakh elected women representatives… The current law stands on the shoulders of this achievement.”

Her argument: major constitutional changes need consensus, not speed.

With agency inputs