A section of Trinamool Congress, AAP and Shiv Sena (UBT) have switched sides, amid speculation that the ruling BJP is attempting to cobble up numbers before bringing a Bill to amend the Constitution that alters the contours of delimitation again in Parliament.
Shemin Joy reports that the recent defections have raised concerns about the stability of opposition parties, with many lawmakers crossing over to the BJP. The move is seen as a strategic effort by the ruling party to secure a majority in both houses of Parliament to push through the delimitation bill, which could redraw constituency boundaries based on population changes.
Political analysts believe that the delimitation exercise could significantly impact the electoral prospects of regional parties, especially in southern states where population growth has been slower. The BJP, on the other hand, stands to gain from a redrawing of seats in northern and central India.
Why Are Defections Happening Now?
The timing of these defections is crucial, as the government is expected to introduce the Constitution amendment bill in the upcoming monsoon session. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the BJP has been actively courting lawmakers from other parties to ensure smooth passage.
Sources indicate that several MLAs and MPs from the TMC, AAP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) have been promised key positions or developmental funds for their constituencies in exchange for switching sides. The opposition has accused the BJP of using money and power to destabilize rival parties.
Impact on Opposition Unity
The defections have dealt a blow to the opposition's efforts to present a united front against the BJP. The TMC, which has been a vocal critic of the BJP, has lost several of its legislators in West Bengal and other states. Similarly, the AAP has seen a few of its MPs join the BJP, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to hemorrhage members.
Opposition leaders have called for stricter anti-defection laws to prevent such floor crossings. However, the BJP has defended the defections, stating that lawmakers are free to join a party that aligns with their ideology and vision for the country.
What Is the Delimitation Bill?
The delimitation exercise involves redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on the latest census data. The last major delimitation was conducted in 2008, based on the 2001 census. The new bill is expected to use the 2031 census data, which could shift the balance of power in Parliament.
Southern states, which have successfully implemented family planning measures, fear a loss of representation, while northern states with higher population growth could gain more seats. The BJP has argued that delimitation is necessary to ensure fair representation based on population.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the monsoon session of Parliament, where the fate of the delimitation bill and the stability of opposition parties will be decided.
