India plans parliament expansion for women; opposition cries foul - World

India’s government is seeking to expand parliament by two-fifths to increase the representation of women lawmakers, a move opposed by opposition parties who claim it benefits the ruling BJP. The bill proposes reserving 33% of seats for women and redrawing parliamentary boundaries based on population. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while supporting the expansion, faces criticism from opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi who accuse the government of using the proposal to consolidate power. M.K. Stalin, chief minister of Tamil Nadu, also opposes the plan, arguing it marginalizes his state. The bill requires a two-thirds majority and will undergo debate for three days starting Thursday.