Abhishek Banerjee NEW DELHI: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the NDA government after the delimitation bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, saying the Centre is “clearly on borrowed time.”Banerjee, widely seen as second in command in the TMC, said the outcome had exposed the BJP’s “discomfort… for all to see”. In a post on X, he argued that the opposition INDIA bloc rejected the proposal over concerns about fairness, particularly the plan to base delimitation on the 2011 Census while expanding the House to over 800 seats. “The illusion of control is beginning to crumble in plain sight,” he said, in a direct swipe at the Centre. Watch ‘PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota Bill The bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the 352 needed for passage. Opposition parties had maintained they would support women’s reservation but only if it was delinked from the contentious delimitation exercise.Banerjee also pressed the government to move swiftly on implementing the 33 per cent quota for women, which had already been passed in 2023 and came into force earlier this month. “If the NDA government is serious, it should immediately bring forward the bill to notify one-third of the seats. Do it now,” he said, adding that the TMC had already ensured more than 41 per cent representation for women.The political tensions come amid heightened activity in West Bengal ahead of assembly elections in less than a week. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee led a roadshow in Durgapur, drawing large crowds and chants of support, as the party stepped up its campaign.At the same time, Income Tax Department raids at multiple locations linked to TMC leaders, including MLA Debashis Kumar, have triggered a fresh political row. The party has accused the Centre of using central agencies to “harass and intimidate” it ahead of polling, while officials maintain the searches are part of a broader probe into unaccounted money flows.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’Trump’s Expected Pakistan Visit May Include Kashmir Talks, Report Fuels Speculation123PhotostoriesWhy traditional Indian homes were naturally cooler and what modern designs can learn from them7 traditional Indian summer drinks people drank before refrigeratorsIndia’s NCD crisis is deepening and lifestyle management is the missing link5 jewellery pieces to buy on Akshaya Tritiya 2026Do you really need 3 meals a day? Expert says it depends on your body and lifestyle5 hard truths no one tells you about marriageWhich are the 10 most powerful cities in the world?8 desi-American food mashups that sound strange but taste incredibleFrom single motherhood to her separation from late ex-husband Piyush due to his alcohol addiction, Shubhangi Atre opens up about her life and career6 pani puri water recipes to make the ultimate street-style golgappa at home123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event
NEW DELHI: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the NDA government after the delimitation bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, saying the Centre is “clearly on borrowed time.”Banerjee, widely seen as second in command in the TMC, said the outcome had exposed the BJP’s “discomfort… for all to see”. In a post on X, he argued that the opposition INDIA bloc rejected the proposal over concerns about fairness, particularly the plan to base delimitation on the 2011 Census while expanding the House to over 800 seats. “The illusion of control is beginning to crumble in plain sight,” he said, in a direct swipe at the Centre.
The bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the 352 needed for passage. Opposition parties had maintained they would support women’s reservation but only if it was delinked from the contentious delimitation exercise.Banerjee also pressed the government to move swiftly on implementing the 33 per cent quota for women, which had already been passed in 2023 and came into force earlier this month. “If the NDA government is serious, it should immediately bring forward the bill to notify one-third of the seats. Do it now,” he said, adding that the TMC had already ensured more than 41 per cent representation for women.The political tensions come amid heightened activity in West Bengal ahead of assembly elections in less than a week. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee led a roadshow in Durgapur, drawing large crowds and chants of support, as the party stepped up its campaign.At the same time, Income Tax Department raids at multiple locations linked to TMC leaders, including MLA Debashis Kumar, have triggered a fresh political row. The party has accused the Centre of using central agencies to “harass and intimidate” it ahead of polling, while officials maintain the searches are part of a broader probe into unaccounted money flows.