'Consultations held with DMK, SP, BJD': Kiren Rijiju counters Kharge's letter to PM Modi on delimitation

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has formally responded to Congress chief and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rejecting claims that the government had failed to engage with the Opposition on the proposed Delimitation Constitutional Amendment Bill. In a letter dated October 19, 2026, Rijiju detailed the central government's sustained efforts to build consensus across party lines, highlighting that extensive consultations have been conducted with key regional and opposition parties, including the DMK, Samajwadi Party (SP), YSRCP, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), AIMIM, and BJD. Addressing Kharge's demand for an all-party meeting, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister clarified that the government had repeatedly reached out directly to the principal Opposition party. "I wrote to you on 16th March 2026, 26th March 2026, and 12th April 2026 in this regard," Rijiju noted in his response, adding that he had personally held discussions with Kharge and met with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi during the Monsoon Session to seek their cooperation. My Letter to:- President of Congress Party and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji, in response to his letter to Hon'ble Prime Minister. https://t.co/f2Gim9k5bl -- Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 19, 2026 Rijiju stated that despite these repeated requests, the Congress failed to provide dates for formal discussions, prompting the government to broaden its dialogue to other political parties to facilitate consensus on the proposed legislation. Prorogation of Parliament Responding to Kharge's concern that both Houses of Parliament had not been prorogued even after 64 days since being adjourned sine die on August 13, 2026, Rijiju emphasised that there is no constitutional requirement mandating a specific timeframe for prorogation. He cited several historical precedents where Houses remained unprorogued for extended periods without giving rise to constitutional or procedural improprieties. Call for constructive engagement Urging the Congress leadership to support parliamentary proceedings, Rijiju expressed hope that the party would play a constructive role rather than repeating demands for consultations that have already been undertaken. He reiterated the government's commitment to democratic principles, meaningful dialogue, and smooth parliamentary functioning on matters of national importance. Last week Kharge urged PM Modi to convene an all-party meeting to discuss any proposed delimitation exercise, warning against attempts to push through a "far-reaching" Constitutional Amendment Bill without wider consultations. In a letter to PM Modi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha flagged what he called an "unprecedented" delay in proroguing the Monsoon Session of Parliament. He noted that 64 days had passed since both Houses were adjourned sine die on August 13, but the session had yet to be prorogued. Kharge said he had first written to the prime minister on April 11, urging him to convene an all-party meeting before introducing any Constitutional Amendment Bill on delimitation.