'1971 Census should be basis…': Stalin on Lok Sabha delimitation
What's the story
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has proposed the formation of a Joint Action Committee to address concerns over the upcoming Union government's delimitation plan. He suggested using the 1971 Census as the basis for allocating seats in the Lok Sabha for 30 years starting in 2026. The proposal was made during an all-party meeting in Chennai, which was attended by opposition parties including AIADMK, Congress, and Left parties.
Representation concerns
Stalin warns of reduced parliamentary representation for Tamil Nadu
Stalin had raised concerns that population-based delimitation could reduce Tamil Nadu's representation in Parliament. He had warned that the state could lose eight Lok Sabha seats if delimitation is done on the basis of the current population. The chief minister had argued that Tamil Nadu's success in family planning shouldn't mean reduced parliamentary representation.
Resolution passed
All-party meeting passes resolution on delimitation
The resolution also sought assurances that any increase in the total number of MPs would be calculated in the same way—MPs to states—as set out in the 1971 census. This way, Tamil Nadu will not be penalized for controlling the population between 1971 and now. "Tamil Nadu is not against delimitation. However, this meeting requests that delimitation shouldn't be punishment to a state that has implemented various social welfare schemes," he said.
Criticism voiced
Stalin criticizes BJP's approach to delimitation
Stalin slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government for its delimitation approach, accusing it of promoting linguistic hegemony. He said if Parliament constituencies increase to 848, Tamil Nadu would only get 10 more seats instead of 22, as per population-based criteria. The TVK also joined DMK in opposing possible population-based delimitation, calling it an attempt to undermine southern states' political importance. The delimitation is "a big threat to India's federal structure and Tamil Nadu and other Southern States' representation," they said.
Delimitation explained
What is delimitation
Delimitation adjusts the number of seats and the boundaries of territorial constituencies in each state for the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies. Seats for SCs and STs are also determined through this process. The last Delimitation Commission was set up in 2002, but the exercise was completed in 1976. The next process is due in 2026 after a freeze by the 84th Constitutional Amendment until then.