The upcoming delimitation exercise in India, scheduled post-2026, has ignited a significant debate, highlighting tensions between the principles of democracy and federalism. This process aims to redraw the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies based on the latest census data, potentially reshaping the political landscape of the country.
Understanding Delimitation
Delimitation involves redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to reflect population changes, ensuring equitable representation. In India, this task is undertaken by the Delimitation Commission, an independent body whose decisions are final and cannot be challenged in court.
The need for delimitation arises due to the following reasons:
- Population Changes: Over time, the population distribution in different parts of a country changes. Delimitation ensures that each elected representative represents a roughly equal number of people.
- Fair Representation: It ensures that no region is over-represented or under-represented in the legislative bodies, thus maintaining a balance in the democratic process.
- Electoral Efficiency: By redrawing boundaries based on current data, delimitation helps in organizing efficient and manageable elections.
The first Delimitation Commission of India was set up in 1952. Historically, delimitation exercises occurred after every decennial census. However, in 1976, a freeze was imposed on the number of Lok Sabha seats per state to encourage population control measures, particularly in states that had successfully implemented family planning programs. This freeze was extended in 2002, with the next delimitation scheduled after the 2026 census.
The Democratic Principle: Equal Representation
A core tenet of democracy is “one person, one vote,” advocating for equal representation for all citizens. Delimitation seeks to uphold this by adjusting constituencies to ensure each MP represents a similar number of constituents.
Given India’s projected population of approximately 1.42 billion by 2026, the number of Lok Sabha seats is expected to increase from 543 to around 753. States with higher population growth, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, stand to gain significantly.
For instance, Uttar Pradesh’s seats may rise from 80 to 128, while Bihar’s could increase from 40 to 70.
The Federal Principle: Balanced State Representation
India’s federal structure ensures representation for all states, regardless of size or population. The impending delimitation has raised concerns among southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, which have effectively controlled population growth. These states fear a reduction in their parliamentary influence, despite contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. citeturn0search3
For example, Kerala, despite its successful population control, may see its Lok Sabha seats decrease from 20 to 19. Such changes could diminish the political voice of states that have prioritized sustainable development.
Political Reactions and Concerns
Leaders from southern states have voiced strong opposition to the proposed delimitation. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called for a 25-year extension of the current freeze on seat allocation, emphasizing the potential marginalization of southern states.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has assured that the Delimitation Commission will consider multiple factors, not solely population, in redrawing boundaries. She emphasized that the commission will consult all states before finalizing decisions.
Balancing democratic ideals with federal equity is a complex challenge. While equal representation is fundamental, it’s crucial to ensure that states are not penalized for successful governance.
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