The Times of India

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin celebrated the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, calling it a victory for the state. He stated that Tamil Nadu fought for fairness in the delimitation process, not against it, and vowed to continue standing united against challenges to the state's rights and federal spirit.

The Women's Reservation Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, failing to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority after intense debate. The ruling NDA fell short of the required numbers, leading to sharp exchanges where the Opposition was labelled 'anti-women' and the bill 'anti-national'.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Opposition's stance on the Women's Reservation Bill and delimitation, accusing them of promoting a divisive North-South narrative. He asserted that delimitation would ensure fair representation for all states, including southern ones, and refuted claims of any loss in their parliamentary seats.

INDIA bloc MPs are set to oppose and defeat the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and the Delimitation Bill in the Lok Sabha. Opposition parties fear the delimitation process, based on the 2011 census, will reduce southern states' representation and demolish opposition parties. They question the bundling of these bills with women's reservation.

Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez has filed a plea to become an approver in the Rs 200 crore money-laundering case involving Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the alleged extortion racket. Fernandez, who has been questioned previously, has now expressed her willingness to cooperate with the agency by turning approver in the high-profile case.

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Congress leader Shashi Tharoor urged the government to implement women's reservation immediately, separate from the delimitation process. He argued that delimitation requires extensive discussion, unlike the reservation bill which the opposition fully supports. Tharoor cautioned against a rushed approach, likening it to 'political demonetisation' and advocating for broader consultation.

Parliament buzzed with debate over India's representational future as the delimitation exercise and Women's Reservation Bill took center stage. Prime Minister Modi and home minister Shah assured southern states no injustice would occur, projecting increased seats and influence. Maths indicate a marginal shift in overall share despite seat increases for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Backing the idea of reserving seats for women legislators, Priyanka said her party was not opposing womens representation itself, but questioning what she described as the political intent behind the timing and framing of the bill. She argued that the ruling NDA was using the measure as an electoral strategy rather than as a purely reform-driven step.