Delimitation and Discrimination

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The article discusses the potential for increased regional discrimination in India if the delimitation process favors states with higher populations, altering federal dynamics.

Delimitation, a process mandated by Article 82 of the Indian Constitution to adjust the number of seats in the Lok Sabha based on population, has been postponed several times, with the last update based on the 1971 Census. Revisiting delimitation now could reduce representation for southern states, which have controlled population growth, while increasing seats for densely populated Hindi-speaking states. This imbalance could lead to political dominance by these regions, marginalizing the less populated states and undermining India’s federal structure.

The article argues that India’s federal unity is based on a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual foundation, avoiding the majoritarian dominance seen in countries like China or Russia. However, a delimitation that favors populous states could foster discrimination by giving these regions disproportionate power. The economic contributions of states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which provide high tax revenues, would clash with their declining political influence, intensifying regional inequalities.

Possible solutions include maintaining the freeze on delimitation for another 25 years or establishing a new formula for representation that accounts for both population and revenue contribution. The article stresses that India’s unique diversity and federal structure must be preserved through balanced representation, ensuring fair political power across all states regardless of population size. Any move toward population-based delimitation could create lasting divisions, risking the unity and stability of the Indian federation.