NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, APRIL 17 — Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer challenged the central government’s approach to electoral reforms, labeling the recent focus on women’s reservation and delimitation as a calculated “election gimmick.” While affirming the AAP’s total support for female representation, Hayer maintained that the Union Government’s shifting stance on the census exposes a lack of real urgency.
Hayer stated that the current legislative move serves to distract from the fact that the 2023 version of the bill could have been implemented much earlier. He noted that the requirement of a census as a prerequisite for reservation is now being ignored in the rush to push the new bill through, which he asserted raises questions about the government’s ultimate goals. He declared that the empowerment of women should not be used as a tool for electoral gains.
The Sangrur MP also emerged as a vocal critic of the proposed delimitation exercise. He declared that the move would distort the federal balance by increasing the seats of more populous regions while shrinking the relative influence of smaller states like Punjab. Hayer maintained that such a shift would worsen existing injustices, noting that Punjab’s rights over its own resources and capital have already been subjected to long-term dilution.
“India must move towards a framework where every state is treated with fairness and equity,” Hayer stated, affirming that the current path risks marginalizing states that have contributed significantly to the nation’s security and food supply. He noted that the federal government must stop withholding state funds and instead work toward strengthening the rights of all union members.
In addition to federal concerns, Hayer utilized the platform to champion the rights of the global Punjabi community. He affirmed that Non-Resident Punjabis play a vital role in the state’s progress and maintained that the government should grant them dual citizenship. He declared that such a policy reform would not only honor their heritage but also ensure they remain active participants in the state’s future growth.
