CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, speaking during the special session of Parliament on the Women’s Reservation and Delimitation Bills, extended full support to women’s reservation while questioning the intent and timing of the Union Government, calling the move a political exercise aimed at electoral gains. He also strongly opposed the Delimitation Bill, warning that it could disturb the federal balance and further weaken the representation of states like Punjab.
Addressing a late-night debate in Parliament, AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer stated, “We fully support the Women’s Reservation Bill, but the intent of the Union Government raises serious questions. The manner and timing in which this has been brought suggests it is being used as an election gimmick rather than a sincere step towards empowerment.”
The AAP MP added, “If the Union Government had genuine intent, it would have passed this bill in 2023 itself. At that time, it was argued that implementation would follow the census. Today, the bill is being pushed even though the census process has not even begun, which exposes the inconsistency in their approach.”
Expressing firm opposition to the Delimitation Bill, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said, “The Delimitation Bill can have a devastating impact on the political balance of states. Smaller states like Punjab will suffer further erosion in representation, while more populous states will gain disproportionately, deepening existing inequalities.”
He further highlighted longstanding issues concerning Punjab, stating, “Promises made to Punjab before and after independence remain unfulfilled. Instead of granting special status, funds meant for Punjab are being withheld, and its rights over BBMB are being steadily diluted. Punjab is already facing injustice due to lower representation, and delimitation will only worsen this situation.”