Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Oct 20: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said he would explain his concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the delimitation exercise and women’s reservation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 21.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, on October 20, Kharge said he had personally written letters to the Prime Minister and would discuss the issues in detail the following day.
Kharge said he wanted to explain the potential impact of the SIR process on voters, the implications of delimitation and the implementation of women’s reservation. He also questioned why the government had not implemented women’s reservation so far.
Kharge Responds to Kiren Rijiju’s Letter
Kharge’s remarks came after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to his October 16 letter seeking an all-party meeting before Parliament considers the proposed Delimitation Constitutional Amendment.
In his letter, shared on social media platform X, Rijiju said the government had repeatedly sought the Congress party’s cooperation on the proposed legislation through written communications in March and April. He also referred to discussions with Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
According to Rijiju, the Congress had not provided dates for further discussions despite repeated requests. He said the government subsequently consulted other political parties, including the DMK, Samajwadi Party, YSRCP, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM and BJD.
Government Urges Congress to Support Delimitation Bill
Rijiju also rejected concerns about procedural irregularities over Parliament not being prorogued after the Monsoon Session was adjourned sine die on August 13. He maintained that the Constitution does not prescribe a specific time limit for proroguing Parliament after a session ends.
The Union minister urged the Congress to cooperate constructively with the government and support important legislation rather than obstruct its passage.
The proposed delimitation exercise, the implementation of women’s reservation and the revision of electoral rolls have emerged as key political issues, with the Congress raising concerns and seeking further discussion with the government.
