Delimitation not just an INDIA bloc issue, concerns our Constitutional framework’ says Congress’ K.C. Venugopal

“We fundamentally oppose any attempt to alter the constitutional balance in a manner that undermines federalism and democratic representation,” Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said. File photo: AICC via ANI Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal speaks to The Hindu on the BJP’s push for the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on delimitation, the changing Opposition numbers, students losing faith in examinations after repeated paper leaks, concerns among vehicle owners over the use of ethanol in fuel, among others. Edited excerpts: The Opposition benches will look very different this Monsoon Session, with 20 Trinamool Congress MPs and six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs now sitting with the NDA, and the DMK will be a separate bloc. Does this fundamentally alter the Opposition’s numbers and morale? Not at all. The seating arrangement may have changed, but that is not going to change the character of Parliament or the Opposition’s resolve. We will continue our fight against what we see as the government’s anti-Constitutional agenda with the same vigour. This is not merely about numbers. The BJP is trying very hard to secure a two-thirds majority to push through Constitutional amendments, particularly on delimitation. But we are confident that parties understand the seriousness of the issue. Delimitation is not a Congress issue or an INDIA bloc issue alone; it is a national issue because it concerns India’s democratic and constitutional framework. The government appears to be trying to divide Opposition parties to facilitate its agenda. In Bengal, even the Opposition has been handpicked by the BJP. The same MPs who strongly opposed the delimitation Bill in the previous session have now crossed over. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on changing the Lok Sabha’s strength and delimitation is expected to be one of the most contentious pieces of legislation. Has the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc evolved a common strategy on the Bill? The INDIA bloc, along with several Opposition parties outside the alliance, believes this is a matter of national concern. We fundamentally oppose any attempt to alter the constitutional balance in a manner that undermines federalism and democratic representation. The people are losing faith in the BJP and its leadership. That is why they [the BJP] want to win elections through other means like delimitation, SIR (special intensive revision of electoral rolls) and by splitting parties. These are all assaults on the Constitution and democratic rights. If the government puts the clause of a 50% increase in seats for all States in the text of the bill, will the Opposition agree? Our first demand is that the government convene an all-party meeting and explain its intentions. We made the same demand when the Bill was introduced earlier. The Congress president has also conveyed this in writing. Individual consultations cannot substitute for a formal discussion with all Opposition parties. We want to see the Bill before deciding our parliamentary strategy. In principle, however, we oppose any attempt to give the executive sweeping powers over delimitation through a Constitutional amendment. Even if the government were to include assurances such as a proportionate increase in seats for all States, that alone would not address our concerns. But the approach parties like the DMK could be important. Are you in touch with them? We believe this issue transcends party politics and will unite those committed to protecting democracy. Whatever political differences may exist, the DMK has consistently placed Tamil Nadu’s interests above all else. The State’s interests are paramount for the party. Therefore, I do not think the DMK will support this Bill. What are the other major issues on which the Opposition intends to corner the government during the Monsoon Session? The repeated examination paper leaks will be a major issue. Students and parents across the country have lost faith in the examination system. There is no accountability, and the Education Minister has failed to provide credible answers. We will continue to demand his resignation. We will also raise the theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The BJP came to power invoking the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, but today serious questions are being raised about the handling of devotees’ donations. This is not merely a financial issue; it concerns the faith of millions. The Prime Minister, under whose watch the trust functions, has not uttered a word. Then there is the issue of ethanol-blended fuel. Many middle-class vehicle owners are worried about the impact of higher ethanol blending on their vehicles, and the government has not adequately addressed these concerns. Then there is also inflation, unemployment, and large-scale layoffs following changes in labour codes. Will the Congress and the INDIA bloc adopt a strategy of sustained debate this session, or should we expect coordinated protests inside and outside the House over contentious issues? The allegation that the Opposition does not want debate is completely false. In the last several sessions, we consistently demanded discussions on issues affecting the public. It is the government that has refused to allow meaningful debates. We are prepared for full-fledged discussions on every important issue—whether it is the alleged Ram Temple donation scam, examination paper leaks, inflation, unemployment or ethanol policy. Parliament exists to debate matters affecting ordinary people. If the government is willing to allow discussions, the Opposition is fully prepared to participate constructively. There is speculation that the government could introduce politically sensitive Bills beyond its listed agenda. Is the INDIA bloc prepared for such surprises? We are prepared for any politically sensitive legislation the government may introduce. One such proposal reportedly relates to the disqualification or suspension of Chief Ministers or Ministers under certain circumstances. We believe such measures would be another attack on the federal structure. Given the manner in which central agencies are allegedly being misused, there is a real danger that elected State governments could be destabilised through such legislation. If someone is jailed for a specified period, they could automatically lose office. We consider such proposals draconian and unacceptable. Published - July 18, 2026 02:33 pm IST