‘Political Demonetisation’: Tharoor Warns Against Delimitation Push
PM Narendra Modi with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (Image credit X)
Congress MP flags risks of an 850-member Lok Sabha, questions haste on delimitation during Women’s Bill debate.
By NIRENDRA DEV
New Delhi, April 17, 2026 — Congress MP Shashi Tharoor launched a sharp critique of the government’s delimitation push, comparing it to the disruptive impact of 2016 Indian demonetisation during a heated Lok Sabha debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Calling delimitation “political demonetisation,” Tharoor warned that the Centre was showing the same haste that marked the 2016 currency overhaul. “We all know what damage it did to the country,” he said, urging caution on any move that could redraw India’s electoral map without broad consensus.
Addressing Speaker Om Birla directly, Tharoor raised concerns about the proposal to expand the Lok Sabha to nearly 850 members — potentially making it the largest legislature in the world. “This will be unworkable,” he argued, adding in a mix of Hindi and English: “850 MP… aapka haal kya hoga mujhe pata nahi.”
He pointed out that a significantly larger House would require more time for Question Hour and Zero Hour, even as parliamentary sittings have declined over the decades. According to Tharoor, the first two Lok Sabhas met for nearly 125 days annually, while recent Houses have functioned for fewer than 60 days a year.
Birla responded in a lighter vein, saying that if such an expansion occurred during his tenure, he would ensure opportunities for all members to speak. He cited extended sittings — including a recent session that ran past midnight — as evidence of the House’s flexibility.
However, Tharoor pressed on, warning that the proposed changes could disrupt the institutional balance between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. With no parallel increase in the strength of the Upper House, he argued, a larger Lok Sabha would dominate joint sittings, tilting legislative power disproportionately.
He also flagged legal concerns, noting that delimitation commission recommendations are typically beyond judicial review. If not properly codified, he cautioned, such decisions could be altered by a simple parliamentary majority.
The intervention underscores growing opposition unease over the linkage between the Women’s Reservation Bill and delimitation — a debate that is likely to intensify in the coming months.
FAQs:
Q1. Why did Shashi Tharoor oppose delimitation?
He argued that the process is being rushed and could disrupt parliamentary balance and governance.
Q2. What is meant by ‘political demonetisation’?
Tharoor used the phrase to suggest that delimitation could cause large-scale political disruption, similar to the 2016 demonetisation.
Q3. What is the concern about 850 MPs?
An expanded Lok Sabha could become difficult to manage and may require significant procedural changes.
Q4. How could delimitation affect Parliament?
It may alter the balance between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, especially during joint sittings.
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