By Firstdespatch Desk Apr 30, 2026
Agartala, Apr 30 (FD) Senior Congress leader and MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Thursday criticised the Centre over the implementation of the Women’s Reservation law, alleging that it was being used as a political tool rather than a genuine step towards women’s empowerment.
Speaking during a one-day session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, convened to deliberate on issues related to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill—popularly known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam—Roy Barman questioned both the intent and timing of the BJP-led central government.
He said it was “painful” that the Congress, which had originally initiated the proposal for 33 per cent reservation for women, was now being sidelined while the BJP claimed credit for the legislation. Referring to earlier debates, he alleged that several senior BJP leaders had opposed the Bill when it was first introduced by the Congress.
Roy Barman pointed out that although the legislation was passed in Parliament in September 2023 with support from both treasury and opposition benches, the official notification was issued only on April 16, 2026. He argued that the delay raises questions about the Centre’s sincerity and suggests the move may have been timed for political considerations.
“The notification itself reflects the intent. Women are being projected forward, but the underlying objective appears political, particularly in connection with delimitation,” he alleged.
The Congress MLA also raised constitutional concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise linked to the implementation of the law. He questioned how the government intends to proceed without addressing provisions under Articles 81 and 82 of the Constitution, which deal with the allocation and readjustment of parliamentary seats.
“How can delimitation be implemented without addressing these constitutional provisions?” he asked, cautioning that smaller northeastern states like Tripura could face adverse consequences if adequate safeguards are not ensured.
He further noted that Tripura did not witness any increase in parliamentary seats following the 2011 Census, highlighting concerns over equitable representation.
Roy Barman’s remarks triggered reactions in the Assembly and are expected to intensify political debate in the state over representation, delimitation, and the implementation roadmap of the Women’s Reservation law.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, with its implementation linked to a future delimitation exercise after the next Census. FD JK