Lopsided Shift?

The upcoming delimitation exercise in India will likely reshape parliamentary representation, potentially intensifying regional disparities, and redefining federal dynamics, with the North gaining probable political influence at the South's expense

- AMAL CHANDRA

The upcoming delimitation exercise in India is set to be one of the most consequential political restructurings in the country's history. While ostensibly a routine redrawing of parliamentary and assembly constituencies to reflect demographic changes, its deeper implications could profoundly alter India's federal balance and reshape the nature of political representation.

As discussions gain momentum, the issue is being framed in two contrasting narratives: one, as a long-overdue measure to ensure fair representation, and the other, as a calculated political manoeuvre by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to consolidate its dominance at the cost of states that have successfully managed population growth.

Fundamentally, delimitation is meant to ensure that electoral representation remains proportional to population distribution, a principle enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Articles 82 and 170 provide the framework for this exercise, mandating the readjustment of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on Census data. However, political controversies surrounding the process are far from new.

Since Independence, India has undertaken four delimitation exercises, the last full-scale one being in 1973. In 1976, the Indira Gandhi government froze the reallocation of parliamentary seats through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which was extended later in the early 2000s by the Vajpayee's NDA government until 2026. This move was intended to prevent states with lower population growth, primarily in South India, from being penalised for their successful implementation of family planning policies.

With the 2026 deadline approaching, the resumption of delimitation raises significant concerns. The prospect of a reapportionment based on updated population figures suggests a substantial shift in political weight toward the northern heartland states, where population growth rates remain high.