If compelled for delimitation, it should be on basis of 1971 Census

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) lawmaker Tiruchi Siva has said that it is incumbent on the Union government to explain the process of delimitation or redrawing of constituencies and address concerns of states that have followed the population control measures and are apprehensive that the impending exercise might affect their strength in the Lok Sabha.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

NEW DELHI:

In an interview to Hindustan Times, the Rajya Sabha lawmaker accused the government of opting for silence instead of addressing the issues being raised by the southern states including Tamil Nadu. Edited excerpts: Since the beginning of the session, you have been demanding a discussion on the issue of delimitation.

What are the concerns you want to flag?

The delimitation exercise as per the Constitution has to be done on the basis of population. Now, the population has risen, but after 2011 there has been no census. As per the 2011 figures, the number is about 120 crore—in 2001 it was 100 crore; in 10 years it rose by 20 crore; and as per available statistics we are at about 140-142 crore. In that case, the states that have not adopted family planning will get more seats.