New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reignited the discussion surrounding delimitation by encouraging a newly married couple to consider starting a family soon, suggesting that this could help secure Tamil Nadu’s position in the forthcoming delimitation process.
This prompts an inquiry into the reasons behind the apprehension of southern states regarding delimitation. To comprehend this, it is essential to first clarify what delimitation entails, how it functions, and why it has emerged as a controversial topic.
What is delimitation?
Delimitation refers to the process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and state assembly constituencies to reflect changes in demographics. This process ensures that electoral representation corresponds with population dynamics and determines the allocation of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), as reported by a media house.
The underlying principle of delimitation is to uphold fair representation, preventing overrepresentation of sparsely populated areas while ensuring that densely populated regions are adequately represented. The fundamental philosophy is rooted in the democratic tenet of “one person, one vote, one value.”
Why and how is delimitation done?
The delimitation process is governed by Articles 82 and 170 of the Indian Constitution, which stipulate that the allocation of parliamentary and assembly seats must be updated in accordance with the latest census data. This responsibility falls to the Delimitation Commission, an entity created by legislation enacted by Parliament.
Delimitation, however, transcends the mere technicality of map adjustments; it carries significant political ramifications. Since the distribution of seats is contingent upon population figures, states experiencing higher population growth may acquire additional seats, while those with stagnant or declining populations may face a reduction in their representation.
Historical Context of Delimitation in India
India has undertaken delimitation exercises on three occasions—in 1951, 1961, and 1971—before placing a moratorium on the process to promote population control measures.
In 1976, during a vigorous family planning initiative, the government instituted a 25-year freeze on delimitation through the 42nd Amendment Act, aimed at preventing states with rapid population increases from obtaining disproportionate advantages. This moratorium was further extended in 2001 by the 84th Amendment Act, deferring delimitation until 2026.
Currently, the distribution of the 543 Lok Sabha seats and 250 Rajya Sabha seats is based on the census data from 1971, despite adjustments made to constituency boundaries and SC/ST reservations in 2001.
Anticipated Delimitation and Its Implications
The forthcoming delimitation exercise is expected to be informed by the 2031 Census, which will involve redrawing electoral boundaries and potentially modifying the number of parliamentary seats assigned to various states. Nevertheless, with the 2021 Census experiencing delays, preliminary discussions regarding delimitation have already commenced in preparation for the 2026 deadline.
How could delimitation change representation?
Delimitation may lead to an increase, decrease, or modification of constituencies without altering the overall number of parliamentary seats. Nevertheless, forecasts indicate that if current population trends persist, the number of Lok Sabha seats could rise from 543 to 753.
Current Representation of Southern States
At present, the southern states occupy 129 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats:
- Telangana: 17 seats
- Andhra Pradesh: 25 seats
- Kerala: 20 seats
- Tamil Nadu: 39 seats
- Karnataka: 28 seats
This represents 24 percent of the total Lok Sabha representation.
Projected Representation Following Delimitation
Should the total number of Lok Sabha seats increase to 753, the southern states’ share may decline to 19 percent:
- Telangana: 20 seats
- Andhra Pradesh: 28 seats
- Kerala: 19 seats
- Tamil Nadu: 41 seats
- Karnataka: 36 seats
Conversely, northern states—particularly Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan—are anticipated to gain a substantial number of seats:
- Uttar Pradesh: From 80 to 128 seats
- Bihar: From 40 to 70 seats
- Madhya Pradesh: From 29 to 47 seats
- Maharashtra: From 48 to 68 seats
- Rajasthan: From 25 to 44 seats
This potential shift is central to the concerns expressed by the southern states.
Tamil Nadu’s Position on Delimitation
Chief Minister MK Stalin has characterized delimitation as a matter impacting all of South India. He contended that states that have effectively managed population control and fostered economic development should not face diminished representation.
“It has come to a point where only a larger population will guarantee more Members of Parliament, as the delimitation process will be based on population,” Stalin stated, as reported by The Indian Express.
“Tamil Nadu has focused on population control and achieved success, which is why the state finds itself in this predicament today,” he further remarked.
“I will not advise you to rush into parenthood or to have children without delay; however, I encourage you to bestow upon them beautiful Tamil names,” he remarked during the wedding ceremony of a DMK district secretary in Nagapattinam.
Reasons for Opposition to Delimitation by Southern States:
- Diminished Political Power
Should delimitation be determined solely by population figures, the parliamentary representation of Southern states could decrease from 24 percent to 19 percent, while Hindi-speaking regions would see an increase in their representation to approximately 60 percent.
- Economic Contribution Versus Representation
States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra rank among the top contributors to India’s direct tax revenue, yet they receive only 30 percent of their contributions in return. In contrast, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh receive 250-350 percent more than their contributions. Southern states contend that representation should take into account economic contributions in addition to population size.
- Impact of the Women’s Reservation Act and SC/ST Reservations
The Women’s Reservation Act, which stipulates a 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, will also play a role in the delimitation process. Furthermore, the review of SC/ST seat reservations will add further complexity to the matter.
