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VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Former Angels star Garret Anderson dies at 53 after sudden medical emergency at home | MLB News NK Premachandran, Sandosh Kumar, Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: A triumphant opposition hailed the fall of the constitutional amendment bill as a defeat for delimitation, and not women’s reservation.After the opposition prevailed in voting, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke with TMC heir apparent and MP Abhishek Banerjee and thanked him for the support. There was concern that only a few of the 28 TMC MPs may turn up in Parliament because of the election campaign in Bengal. But TMC sent 21 MPs after repeated requests from INDIA bloc leaders who impressed upon Mamata Banerjee that presence in debate and voting was important to thwart the Modi govt’s plan on delimitation. According to sources, Banerjee told Rahul, “The tide is turning against the BJP”.Akhilesh Yadav called it a defeat of BJP’s malice.RSP’s N K Premachandran said the bill’s failure to pass shows that BJP must consult with the opposition on important issues concerning the nation. “This defeat is not of women’s quota, but of delimitation by the backdoor,” he said.Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused PM Narendra Modi of maliciously linking the women’s quota to delimitation based on 2011 Census. “But his hollow attempt to pose as messiah of women has failed today,” she remarked. Priyanka said if the three bills had passed in Parliament, democracy in India would not have survived.Rahul Gandhi said, “They used an unconstitutional trick in the name of women to break the Constitution.” Congress whip Manickam Tagore said, “We have defeated arrogance.”CPI MP Sandosh Kumar said the fall of the govt legislation shows that there is a strong opposition to any attempt to change the balance of representation in the country. He said the women of the country must see through the BJP’s approach of delaying women’s quota by linking it to census and delimitation. “This defeat is similar to what we saw during the farmers’ movement, when people’s unity forced the govt to repeal the farm laws.”DMK chief M K Stalin, who led the protests in Tamil Nadu, said his party’s concern was about delimitation, “which requires careful thought to ensure it is fair, especially for southern states”. He said the govt should have delinked women’s quota from delimitation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelimitation Debate: Data Shows Hindi Belt’s Lok Sabha Share Fell More Than South Since 1951Amit Shah Targets Congress, Backs Women’s Quota And Delimitation PushHeated Exchange In Parliament As Rahul, Rijiju Spar Over Women’s Reservation BillUnmanned Fighters Set To Take The Lead In Aerial Combat, CATS Warrior To Lead Change For IndiaWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM“Can’t Be Condemned Enough”: Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Magician” Remark On PM Modi‘Recently Removed’: Raghav Chadha’s Dig At AAP In Rajya Sabha Raises Questions Over Party UnityIndia Drops to 6th Largest Economy: Why IMF Data Doesn’t Tell the Full StoryBig Setback For Congress Leader Pawan Khera: Supreme Court Refuses Bail Relief, Shifts Case To Assam’PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota Bill123PhotostoriesGoa’s 5 posh localities for luxury living and real estate investment in 2026Struggling to stay consistent? 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On 23 April, we shall together vanquish Delhi’s arrogance—and the slaves who abet that arrogance!”Separately, Stalin also said, “The bill that came against Tamil Nadu has been defeated in Parliament is the news we got now. This victory is just a trailer. Next coming election is going to come. I’ve said it’s Tamil Nadu vs Delhi. We are going to win in more than 200 seats. Let us work continuously and win,” as quoted by ANI.In another post, Stalin reiterated that Tamil Nadu was not against delimitation but sought a fair and consultative process. “”TN fought. TN won. Delimitation is about representation, about who gets a voice in India’s democracy. It must strengthen the Union, not weaken its balance. Guided by Periyar, inspired by Anna, and strengthened by Kalaignar, Tamil Nadu has always stood for justice, dignity, and federalism,” Stalin said.”We never opposed delimitation. We asked for fairness, for a process that is consulted, thought through, and agreed upon. Not one pushed through for political gain. This is our resolve: every time Tamil Nadu’s rights are challenged, every time its identity or culture is questioned, and every time the federal spirit of India is tested, Tamil Nadu will rise united and unwavering,” he added.The Constitution Amendment Bill, which aimed at implementing Women’s Reservation from the 2029 general elections, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha. For such a bill to be approved, it requires the support of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.During the division after the debate, 298 members voted in favour of the bill, while 230 opposed it. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the bill did not pass as it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority.Following the outcome, Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government would not pursue the two other related bills.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 MediaVideosDelimitation Debate: Data Shows Hindi Belt’s Lok Sabha Share Fell More Than South Since 1951Amit Shah Targets Congress, Backs Women’s Quota And Delimitation PushHeated Exchange In Parliament As Rahul, Rijiju Spar Over Women’s Reservation BillUnmanned Fighters Set To Take The Lead In Aerial Combat, CATS Warrior To Lead Change For IndiaWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM“Can’t Be Condemned Enough”: Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Magician” Remark On PM Modi‘Recently Removed’: Raghav Chadha’s Dig At AAP In Rajya Sabha Raises Questions Over Party UnityIndia Drops to 6th Largest Economy: Why IMF Data Doesn’t Tell the Full StoryBig Setback For Congress Leader Pawan Khera: Supreme Court Refuses Bail Relief, Shifts Case To Assam’PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota Bill123PhotostoriesStruggling to stay consistent? These 5 workout quotes for women can change how you see fitnessWeekend binge eating vs daily overeating: Which is more harmful to your liver?Top 7 South Mumbai’s high-end neighbourhoods shaping India’s luxury real estateSmriti Irani enjoys authentic Bengali sweets: 8 traditional sweets of Bengal you need to try during summer10 delicious banana desserts you can easily make in minutesRed Banana vs Yellow Banana: Which is healthier? Full nutrition comparison of taste, benefits, and daily useForget wheat flour and try these traditional dishes made with rice flourR. Madhavan on Parenting: 5 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kidsThe ocean is scarier than you think: 10 chilling factsTop 5 iconic towers dominating global skylines and redefining luxury real estate123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaRahul GandhiDianna RussiniDelhi WeatherCBSE Class 10 TopperMunawar FaruquiNashik TCS CaseNHL ScheduleTiger Woods IPL 2026: Impact role again on the cards for Virat Kohli? | Cricket News LizLaz breaks silence on Virat Kohli’s ‘like’ on her photo: ‘I feel sorry for him’ NFL Draft Rumors: Jayden Daniels’ Washington Commanders linked to three Ohio State players and one Notre Dame alum Sunita Williams to run 130th Boston Marathon, returning after barefoot teen run and historic space marathon NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday took a position that differed from her party, expressing disappointment over the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. She described it as a setback for women aspiring to enter Parliament and state assemblies.The Constitution Amendment Bill, which aimed to implement reservation for women in legislatures by 2029 and expand the strength of the Lok Sabha, failed to pass in the Lower House. While 298 MPs voted in favour, 230 opposed it. The bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority, needing 352 votes out of the 528 members who participated.Reacting on X, Chaturvedi said it was a “sad day for India’s women who hoped to find representation in Parliament or assemblies.” She added that her position on women’s reservation has been consistent and that she would continue to voice it.”I have a stand on women’s reservation and consistently have had it and I will continue to express it. Deal with it,” she wrote in the next post.Internet users soon pointed out her opposing stand with her party and remarked that she will “soon get a RS seat from BJP”. The leader, however, refused to back down and wrote: “Are you drafting the invite?” The proposed amendment sought to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to a maximum of 850 to facilitate the implementation of women’s reservation ahead of the 2029 general elections, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census.A day earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had urged the Centre to immediately implement the 2023 law providing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, while calling for a pause on the delimitation process.In a brief statement, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said delimitation was not about the political future of any one party, but about the future of the country.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 MediaVideosDelimitation Debate: Data Shows Hindi Belt’s Lok Sabha Share Fell More Than South Since 1951Amit Shah Targets Congress, Backs Women’s Quota And Delimitation PushHeated Exchange In Parliament As Rahul, Rijiju Spar Over Women’s Reservation BillUnmanned Fighters Set To Take The Lead In Aerial Combat, CATS Warrior To Lead Change For IndiaWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM“Can’t Be Condemned Enough”: Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Magician” Remark On PM Modi‘Recently Removed’: Raghav Chadha’s Dig At AAP In Rajya Sabha Raises Questions Over Party UnityIndia Drops to 6th Largest Economy: Why IMF Data Doesn’t Tell the Full StoryBig Setback For Congress Leader Pawan Khera: Supreme Court Refuses Bail Relief, Shifts Case To Assam’PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota Bill123PhotostoriesWeekend binge eating vs daily overeating: Which is more harmful to your liver?Top 7 South Mumbai’s high-end neighbourhoods shaping India’s luxury real estateSmriti Irani enjoys authentic Bengali sweets: 8 traditional sweets of Bengal you need to try during summer10 delicious banana desserts you can easily make in minutesRed Banana vs Yellow Banana: Which is healthier? Full nutrition comparison of taste, benefits, and daily useForget wheat flour and try these traditional dishes made with rice flourR. Madhavan on Parenting: 5 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kidsThe ocean is scarier than you think: 10 chilling factsTop 5 iconic towers dominating global skylines and redefining luxury real estateTop 7 baby girl names inspired by Venus123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaRahul GandhiDianna RussiniDelhi WeatherCBSE Class 10 TopperMunawar FaruquiNashik TCS CaseNHL ScheduleTiger Woods India Women 15/0 in 1.1 Overs | India Women vs South Africa Women Live Score, 1st T20I: SA opt to bowl against IND in Durban Harvard asks donors to endow $10 million professorships for ‘viewpoint diversity’ push Hansika Motwani recalls family’s support during ‘very dark space’ after divorce from Sohael Khaturiya: ‘Therapy helped me heal’ Struggling to stay consistent? These 5 workout quotes for women can change how you see fitness Microsoft VP Rajesh Jha has a big business idea for software companies on Agentic AI that should wipe out all ‘Claude fears’ Row over anti-Islam US influencer granted UK visa approval, calls out British leaders: ‘England belongs to…’ World Hemophilia day: The bleed that never really stops | India News BAN vs NZ 1st ODI: New Zealand draw first blood with clinical 26-run win over Bangladesh NTA NCHM JEE 2026 exam city intimation slip released at exams.nta.nic.in; admit card soon: Direct link to download here Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani as Asia’s richest person with $92.6 billion net worth; check global rankings Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Minutes after the women’s reservation bill failed to clear the Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Centre, accusing the PM Modi-led government of using an “unconstitutional trick” to “break the Constitution in the name of women.”In a post on X after the bill’s defeat, Rahul Gandhi highlighted Opposition unity, saying, “The amendment bill has fallen. They used an unconstitutional trick to break the Constitution in the name of women. India has seen it. INDIA has stopped it.”The Congress also accused the government of linking delimitation with women’s reservation, calling it a “nefarious, mischievous attempt” that was “decisively defeated in LS.”Rahul further said, “I want to tell PM that if he wants women’s reservation, he should bring 2023 law and entire opposition will support it.””We clearly said that this is not a women’s bill but an attempt to change India’s electoral structure,” he added further.The grand old party reiterated its support for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, urging the government to ensure 33% reservation for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.Another strong voice of opposition came from Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav during the debate. After the bill’s failure, he said, “We never opposed the Women’s Reservation Bill; we were against those who sought to usurp women’s rights.”In Tamil Nadu, chief minister MK Stalin welcomed the outcome, declaring, “Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi.”Following the failed floor test, the Centre also moved to withdraw two more proposed bills, including one on delimitation and another related measure, signalling a broader setback for the government’s legislative push.Despite strong backing from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, with the NDA unable to gather enough support.The special session of Parliament witnessed intense debates and sharp exchanges between the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc, marking a politically charged showdown over the bill.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 MediaVideosDelimitation Debate: Data Shows Hindi Belt’s Lok Sabha Share Fell More Than South Since 1951Amit Shah Targets Congress, Backs Women’s Quota And Delimitation PushHeated Exchange In Parliament As Rahul, Rijiju Spar Over Women’s Reservation BillUnmanned Fighters Set To Take The Lead In Aerial Combat, CATS Warrior To Lead Change For IndiaWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM“Can’t Be Condemned Enough”: Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Magician” Remark On PM Modi‘Recently Removed’: Raghav Chadha’s Dig At AAP In Rajya Sabha Raises Questions Over Party UnityIndia Drops to 6th Largest Economy: Why IMF Data Doesn’t Tell the Full StoryBig Setback For Congress Leader Pawan Khera: Supreme Court Refuses Bail Relief, Shifts Case To Assam’PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota Bill123PhotostoriesWeekend binge eating vs daily overeating: Which is more harmful to your liver?Top 7 South Mumbai’s high-end neighbourhoods shaping India’s luxury real estateSmriti Irani enjoys authentic Bengali sweets: 8 traditional sweets of Bengal you need to try during summer10 delicious banana desserts you can easily make in minutesRed Banana vs Yellow Banana: Which is healthier? Full nutrition comparison of taste, benefits, and daily useForget wheat flour and try these traditional dishes made with rice flourR. Madhavan on Parenting: 5 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kidsThe ocean is scarier than you think: 10 chilling factsTop 5 iconic towers dominating global skylines and redefining luxury real estateTop 7 baby girl names inspired by Venus123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaRahul GandhiDianna RussiniDelhi WeatherCBSE Class 10 TopperMunawar FaruquiNashik TCS CaseNHL ScheduleTiger Woods Aditi Rao Hydari wishes ‘manicorn’ husband Siddharth on birthday: ‘Who holds the sun in his hands and makes it shine on me’ ‘He gets drunk, crosses limits’: Sumit Antil alleges harassment by coach; Neeraj Chopra demands action Boston Marathon 2026: Check latest expected race conditions, date, route and weather forecast | International Sports News Foreign exchange reserves touch $700 billion mark again; kitty rises $3.83 billion Neha Dhupia comes out in support of Patralekhaa after she gets body shammed for post-pregnancy weight gain: ‘Fix your own thinking’ Optical illusion personality test: Old man, young woman, or man climbing a hill? What you see first reveals if you are competitive, gentle, or vulnerable under stress | Dwyane Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union gives heartfelt 4-word shoutout to Megan Thee Stallion’s show | NBA News IPL 2026: ‘We’ve figured it out’ — Badani backs Delhi Capitals to bounce back after losses Crude oil prices plunge over 10% as Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, stocks rally Hansika Motwani slams rumours of taking growth hormones at a young age: ‘All rubbish, I cry until the medicine…’ From Hormuz to household finance: How global oil shocks can filter into Indian homes NEW DELHI: The women’s reservation bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha on Friday, as it failed to secure the required two-thirds majority after two days of intense debate over the bill and the proposed delimitation exercise.The Constitution Amendment Bill could not pass, with the ruling NDA falling short of the numbers needed to push the “Nari Bill” through.Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said, “The Constitution (131st Amendment) Amendment Bill did not pass as it did not achieve a 2/3 majority during voting in the House.”The debate saw sharp exchanges in the House. Union home mnister Amit Shah labelled the opposition as “anti-women” for opposing the bill.On the other hand, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called the bill “anti-national.” Several other Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Priyanka Gandhi, also raised strong objections.A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to legislators not to politicise the bill during his address on the issue.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 MediaVideosUnmanned Fighters Set To Take The Lead In Aerial Combat, CATS Warrior To Lead Change For IndiaWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM“Can’t Be Condemned Enough”: Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Magician” Remark On PM Modi‘Recently Removed’: Raghav Chadha’s Dig At AAP In Rajya Sabha Raises Questions Over Party UnityIndia Drops to 6th Largest Economy: Why IMF Data Doesn’t Tell the Full StoryBig Setback For Congress Leader Pawan Khera: Supreme Court Refuses Bail Relief, Shifts Case To Assam’PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota BillIndia, Pakistan Held Four Backchannel Meetings After Operation Sindoor Despite Frozen Ties: ReportMystery Killings Or Covert Strike? India’s Most Wanted Terror Figures In Pakistan Fall One By One‘Home Minister Says One Thing, Bill Says Another’: MP Kanimozhi Slams Delimitation Move As DMK Protests123PhotostoriesTop 7 South Mumbai’s high-end neighbourhoods shaping India’s luxury real estateSmriti Irani enjoys authentic Bengali sweets: 8 traditional sweets of Bengal you need to try during summer10 delicious banana desserts you can easily make in minutesRed Banana vs Yellow Banana: Which is healthier? Full nutrition comparison of taste, benefits, and daily useForget wheat flour and try these traditional dishes made with rice flourR. Madhavan on Parenting: 5 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kidsThe ocean is scarier than you think: 10 chilling factsTop 5 iconic towers dominating global skylines and redefining luxury real estateTop 7 baby girl names inspired by VenusVirat Kohli in spotlight: Another ‘accidental like’? 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Murugadoss for action thriller starring Jyotika – Reports Sidharth Venugopal Death News: Kasthooriman actor Sidharth Venugopal passes away at 41 Amit Shah and Akhilesh Yadav NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday suggested that Lok Sabha proceedings be paused for an hour so he could bring an official amendment that there would be a 50% increase in the number of seats per state after delimitation.“If the reason to oppose this bill is that there should be 50% reservation, then halt the proceedings for an hour and I will bring an official amendment to this bill. But first, they (the opposition) need to promise to pass the bill,” Shah said.He added, “Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala — the strength of these five states in the 543 parliamentary seats is currently 129, which is 23.76%. After a 50% increase, when we allocate seats for these five states, it will rise from 129 to 195, which will represent 23.87% in 816 seats. No one will be at a loss.”However, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav rejected Shah’s offer, citing what he described as the ruling BJP’s “record” since coming to power in 2014.”Based on nearly 11 years of experience, even if the BJP were to give a written assurance that they would appoint a woman prime minister, we still would not trust them,” Yadav added.Opposition parties have called delimitation a “dangerous” move, arguing that increasing the Lok Sabha strength from 543 to around 850 could reduce the relative representation of southern, north-western, north-eastern and other smaller states.They say this is because seat allocation based on population growth would likely benefit more populous states, while states that have controlled population growth could lose political weight in Parliament.The opposition has also linked the issue to women’s reservation, demanding that the government implement the 33% quota immediately based on the current strength of 543 seats, in line with Article 334A passed in 2023.They argue that since the provision says the quota will come into effect after delimitation based on the 2027 Census, the exercise could be completed earlier using fresh census data before the 2029 general elections. They have also criticised the government’s reliance on the older 2011 Census for the process.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 MediaVideosWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM“Can’t Be Condemned Enough”: Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Magician” Remark On PM Modi‘Recently Removed’: Raghav Chadha’s Dig At AAP In Rajya Sabha Raises Questions Over Party UnityIndia Drops to 6th Largest Economy: Why IMF Data Doesn’t Tell the Full StoryBig Setback For Congress Leader Pawan Khera: Supreme Court Refuses Bail Relief, Shifts Case To Assam’PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota BillIndia, Pakistan Held Four Backchannel Meetings After Operation Sindoor Despite Frozen Ties: ReportMystery Killings Or Covert Strike? India’s Most Wanted Terror Figures In Pakistan Fall One By One‘Home Minister Says One Thing, Bill Says Another’: MP Kanimozhi Slams Delimitation Move As DMK ProtestsFrom WhatsApp Groups To Arson: How Noida Workers’ Protest Turned Violent Amid Pakistan Links123PhotostoriesTop 7 South Mumbai’s high-end neighbourhoods shaping India’s luxury real estateSmriti Irani enjoys authentic Bengali sweets: 8 traditional sweets of Bengal you need to try during summer10 delicious banana desserts you can easily make in minutesRed Banana vs Yellow Banana: Which is healthier? Full nutrition comparison of taste, benefits, and daily useForget wheat flour and try these traditional dishes made with rice flourR. Madhavan on Parenting: 5 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kidsThe ocean is scarier than you think: 10 chilling factsTop 5 iconic towers dominating global skylines and redefining luxury real estateTop 7 baby girl names inspired by VenusVirat Kohli in spotlight: Another ‘accidental like’? 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The sneaky dating trend keeping you on the hook: 3 signs to watch out for | Eight tourists from Kerala die in accident on Valparai ghat road Indian-origin politician Charishma Kaliyanda in Australia slams Liverpool mayor for doxxing her address: ‘Completely unacceptable’ Union home minister Amit Shah NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday hit out at the opposition over its criticism of the women’s reservation bill and the proposed delimitation, accusing it of pushing a “north-south division narrative.”Speaking in the Lok Sabha ahead of voting on the bill, Shah sought to rally support and asserted that delimitation would ensure fair and equal representation across states.“Let me make this clear once again: the southern states have exactly the same rights in this House as the northern states. In fact, even a small Union Territory like Lakshadweep has the same rights as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Bihar,” he said.Addressing concerns around a “north-south divide,” Shah cautioned against framing the issue in regional terms.“This country should not be divided through such narratives, neither a north-south narrative nor any other divisive framing. It should not be broken into pieces on such lines. What are they trying to imply? That members sitting in this House think about which state they come from while speaking or taking decisions?…When we take the oath, we do so with full sincerity and from the heart,” he said.He further accused critics of misusing constitutional discourse.“Those who have taken the constitutional oath in their hands are now trying to promote a North-South division narrative. We will not allow this to happen…” Shah said.Backing his argument with numbers, the home minister said the southern states would not lose representation after delimitation.“Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Keralam – the strength of these five states in the 543 parliamentary seats is currently 129, which is 23.76%. After a 50% increase, when we allocate the seats for these five states, it will rise from 129 to 195, which will represent 23.87% in 816 seats. No one will be at a loss,” he said.While in a strong counter to Centre’s proposal on women reservation, the Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav said, “Based on nearly 11 years of experience, even if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were to give a written assurance that they would appoint a woman Prime Minister, we still would not trust them…”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 MediaVideosWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM“Can’t Be Condemned Enough”: Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Magician” Remark On PM Modi‘Recently Removed’: Raghav Chadha’s Dig At AAP In Rajya Sabha Raises Questions Over Party UnityIndia Drops to 6th Largest Economy: Why IMF Data Doesn’t Tell the Full StoryBig Setback For Congress Leader Pawan Khera: Supreme Court Refuses Bail Relief, Shifts Case To Assam’PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota BillIndia, Pakistan Held Four Backchannel Meetings After Operation Sindoor Despite Frozen Ties: ReportMystery Killings Or Covert Strike? 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