India’s commitment to a ‘Pink Parliament’ with at least one-third of the seats occupied by women is expected to be realised in 2029. The question is whether the women’s reservation law can be put into effect even before a fresh delimitation of constituencies, and if so, are political parties prepared for such a sweeping shift in the electoral landscape?

Link to census and delimitation

Implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act (2023) is statutorily linked to Census 2027, scheduled to begin in March next year, and the subsequent delimitation. Given the complex and time-consuming nature of the exercise, the Centre is reportedly considering an amendment to the Act, which will delink women’s reservation from delimitation.

Political implications and legislative hurdles

The powerful optics of such a move would doubtless work in the BJP’s favour, particularly in the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, where it is seeking to break new ground. But the amendment will necessitate a constitutional amendment, with a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. This means that the BJP will have to drum up the support of its allies and the Opposition.

Delimitation timeline raises concerns

The last Delimitation Commission, constituted after Census 2001, started work in 2002 and submitted its report in 2007. Census collection and data publication are likely to take at least a couple of years, even with the use of biometrics and artificial intelligence tools. Assuming that the new commission hits the ground running, it’s unlikely to complete its work before 2031 at the........

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