NE POLITICAL BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JULY 19
With the Monsoon Session of Parliament set to commence amid heightened political expectations, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) sharpened the national debate on two of India’s most consequential constitutional issues—women’s political representation and parliamentary delimitation. While reiterating its unwavering support for 33 per cent reservation for women, the party urged the Centre to implement the constitutional amendment without delay and cautioned against linking it to a future delimitation exercise, arguing that southern states should not lose parliamentary strength for having successfully implemented population control measures.
Attended the All Party Floor leaders meeting before the commencing of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. pic.twitter.com/6c9TICBH6w
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 19, 2026
- Party seeks a time-bound roadmap for 33% reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies, insisting it be based on the present strength of the Lok Sabha
- DMK warns against linking women’s reservation to future delimitation, says southern states must not be penalised for successfully controlling population
- Tiruchi Siva reiterates demand to safeguard parliamentary representation of southern states, calls for 25-year deferment if delimitation causes imbalance
- Opposition stages brief walkout during all-party meeting before returning to discussions on the smooth conduct of Parliament
- Government seeks cooperation from 40 political parties as Monsoon Session begins on July 20 with a packed legislative agenda
The DMK on Sunday demanded that the Union Government announce a clear, time-bound roadmap for implementing the constitutional amendment providing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, while firmly opposing any move to link the quota with the proposed delimitation exercise.
The issue was raised by Rajya Sabha member Tiruchi Siva during the customary all-party meeting convened in New Delhi ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on Monday.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Tiruchi Siva reaffirmed the DMK’s unequivocal support for women’s reservation but stressed that the Centre must clearly spell out when and how the constitutional amendment would be operationalised.
“We support women’s reservation. But the Government must provide a roadmap for its implementation,” Siva said.
He asserted that the reservation should be calculated on the existing strength of the Lok Sabha and should not be made contingent upon a future delimitation exercise.
‘Don’t Penalise Southern States for Population Control’
The DMK also voiced serious concern that the proposed delimitation of parliamentary constituencies could diminish the political representation of southern states, which have consistently achieved lower population growth through effective family planning measures.
Siva maintained that states which have successfully implemented national population policies should not face reduced representation in Parliament.
“If the delimitation exercise adversely affects the southern states, it should be kept in abeyance for 25 years,” he said.
The party reiterated its long-standing position that population control should never become a reason for weakening the parliamentary voice of southern India.
According to the DMK, women’s reservation and delimitation are two distinct constitutional issues and should not be intertwined.
Brief Walkout During All-Party Meeting
The all-party meeting also witnessed brief political drama when several Opposition parties, including the DMK, Congress and Samajwadi Party, staged a walkout objecting to the participation of members of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), described by them as a rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress.
The Opposition parties, however, later returned and participated in the deliberations.
The meeting was attended by representatives of major political parties, including Tiruchi Siva for the DMK and M. Thambidurai representing the AIADMK.
Government Seeks Consensus for Smooth Session
The all-party meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, brought together 58 leaders from 40 political parties to discuss the forthcoming Monsoon Session and seek consensus on ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament.
Government holds all-party meeting ahead of #MonsoonSession of Parliament.
Speaking to media after the meeting, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister @KirenRijiju urges all political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament and engage in constructive discussions on… pic.twitter.com/4WN8JpXTfo
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 19, 2026
The meeting was convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and attended by Jagat Prakash Nadda, Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, and L. Murugan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Information & Broadcasting.
Welcoming leaders, Rajnath Singh urged all political parties to cooperate in ensuring productive parliamentary proceedings.
Kiren Rijiju informed the meeting that the Monsoon Session would commence on July 20 and, subject to government business, conclude on August 13, comprising 19 sittings over 25 days.
He also pointed out that the legislative agenda had already been circulated by both Houses of Parliament on July 16.
Seeking cooperation from all parties, Rijiju said: “The Government is ready to discuss any other important issues on the floor of the Houses as permitted under the Rules of Procedure of both the Houses of Parliament.”
Leaders of various political parties presented the issues they intended to raise during the session and assured the Government of their cooperation.
Concluding the meeting, Rajnath Singh thanked all participants for their constructive suggestions and active participation, expressing confidence that the forthcoming Monsoon Session would witness meaningful deliberations on important national issues.
