The Indian government is set to address Parliament to clarify its position on the upcoming delimitation exercise, a process to redraw parliamentary constituencies. According to reports, the government will state that the delimitation will not be based on the outdated 2011 census data. This move aims to counter allegations that the process, when combined with the women's reservation law, would reduce the political representation of southern states, whose population growth has been slower than the national average.
The constitutional freeze on the number of Lok Sabha seats, based on the 1971 census, is set to expire after 2026. The next delimitation, which will increase the total number of seats, is expected to use more recent demographic data. The government's anticipated statement seeks to allay fears that states with better population control would be penalized with fewer seats in the lower house.
Political analysts note that delimitation is a sensitive issue with significant federal implications, as it directly impacts state-wise representation in the national legislature. The government's clarification is seen as an attempt to build consensus before undertaking the constitutionally mandated exercise, which requires broad political support.
