Delimitation in India: Balancing Representation or Political Imbalance?

What is Delimitation and Why Does it Matter? Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and state assembly constituencies to reflect changes in population. It ensures fair political representation based on demographic shifts and also determines the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). However, as India prepares for another round of delimitation, concerns are rising, especially in southern states, about potential imbalances in political representation. The upcoming delimitation, expected after the 2026 census, will likely increase the number of Lok Sabha seats significantly. This has triggered apprehensions among southern states, which fear a loss of representation due to their slower population growth compared to northern states. The debate raises important questions about fairness in representation, economic contributions, and political influence in a rapidly evolving democracy. Understanding Delimitation: A Constitutional Mandate The Constitution of India mandates delimitation under Articles 82 and 170, ensuring that electoral constituencies align with population growth. The Delimitation Commission, established through a parliamentary law, carries out this exercise based on the latest census data. Historically, delimitation exercises were conducted after the 1951, 1961, and 1971 censuses. The number of Lok Sabha seats has evolved accordingly: However, in 1976, India froze the number of Lok Sabha seats based on the 1971 Census to incentivize population control. This freeze was extended in 2001 for another 25 years, delaying any adjustments until after the 2026 Census. What Will Be the Impact of Delimitation? The next delimitation process, guided by the 2031 Census, could significantly reshape the political landscape by increasing, decreasing, or altering constituencies. The biggest concern for southern states is the potential redistribution of seats in favour of northern states, which have experienced higher population growth rates. If past patterns continue, India’s total Lok Sabha seats could increase from 543 to 753. This would drastically alter the share of seats across states:

• Uttar Pradesh: Could rise from 80 to 128
• Bihar: May increase from 40 to 70
• Madhya Pradesh: Likely to grow from 29 to 47
• Maharashtra: Expected to gain 20 seats, reaching 68
• Rajasthan: May rise from 25 to 44

For southern states, however, the share of Lok Sabha seats is projected to decline:

• Telangana: From 17 to 20
• Andhra Pradesh: From 25 to 28
• Kerala: From 20 to 19
• Tamil Nadu: From 39 to 41
• Karnataka: From 28 to 36

While the total number of seats for the South would increase to 144 out of 753, their representation in Parliament would drop from 24% to 19%, raising concerns about diminishing political influence. Why Are Southern States Opposed to Delimitation? The primary contention of states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana is that the delimitation process, if based solely on population, will disproportionately benefit states with higher birth rates. Southern states argue that they are being penalized for successfully implementing population control measures. Economic Disparities and Fiscal Concerns Another major concern is the economic disparity between northern and southern states. Southern states contribute significantly more to India’s GDP and tax revenue but receive disproportionately lower financial allocations from the central government. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra contribute heavily to direct taxes but receive only 30% of their contributions in return. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh receive 250-350% of what they contribute. This economic imbalance, coupled with potential political underrepresentation, has fueled resistance to delimitation in the South. Political Reactions and Controversies The delimitation debate has triggered strong political reactions across party lines:

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin argued that states excelling in development and population control should not be penalized.
• BRS leader KT Rama Rao called delimitation based purely on population a “curse” for Telangana and other southern states.
• Communist Party of India’s MA Baby questioned the lack of clarity from the central government on how concerns of southern states would be addressed.

Union Government’s Stand Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that Tamil Nadu would not lose any Lok Sabha seats, but opposition leaders, including DMK MP A Raja, remain skeptical. They argue that constitutional mandates and the Delimitation Act of 2002 dictate seat allocation based on the latest census data. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while assuring South India would not lose seats, acknowledged at a rally in Telangana that the South could see a reduction of nearly 100 Lok Sabha seats. His statement, though exaggerated, highlighted the core issue at hand. What Lies Ahead? The delimitation process is now at the center of India’s electoral reforms. While it aims to ensure fair representation based on population, the concerns raised by southern states highlight deeper issues of economic equity, governance, and regional balance. Possible solutions include: Weighted Representation: Adjusting seats not solely based on population but also factoring in economic contribution and governance. Bicameral Balancing: Increasing the role of Rajya Sabha in mitigating Lok Sabha imbalances. Revising Fiscal Allocations: Ensuring equitable distribution of central funds to states contributing higher revenues. As India moves towards the next delimitation exercise, it is crucial to strike a balance between population-based representation and regional equity, ensuring that no state is unfairly disadvantaged. The Impact on Voters Delimitation is a critical exercise that directly impacts voters by determining their representation in Parliament. A well-balanced approach can strengthen democracy, but an imbalanced delimitation could alienate regions that have contributed significantly to India’s progress. The challenge lies in ensuring fair representation while maintaining national unity, preventing any region from feeling politically marginalized. As the debate unfolds, the decisions made will shape the future of India’s electoral democracy and governance for decades to come.   (With inputs from agencies)