National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Clarifies Opposition to Delimitation Rather Than Women’s Bill

NEW DELHI, APRIL 17: National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi clarified his party’s stance during a parliamentary debate today, stating that the opposition does not object to the Women’s Reservation Act but strongly opposes the delimitation process linked to it.

Mehdi expressed concerns that the redrawing of electoral boundaries could be used to shift political representation along communal lines, drawing parallels to the recent administrative changes in Jammu and Kashmir.

He argued that the experience in the valley, which he claimed favored specific political interests, serves as a warning against implementing a similar nationwide exercise that might dilute the voting power of minority communities.

He emphasized that while the goal of empowering women is supported, the mechanism of delimitation remains a point of deep contention due to its potential impact on democratic balance.