India's Government Plans Constituency Redrawing Without Seat Allocation Changes
Centre to redraw Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies but may avoid allocation to allay fears
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
The Indian government plans to use the 2011 Census for redrawing Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies but will not change seat allocations among states. This decision aims to address concerns from various political parties about potential bias towards northern states, while also linking the expansion of seats to the implementation of women's reservation.
- 01The 2011 Census will guide the redrawing of constituencies but not seat allocations.
- 02The total number of Lok Sabha seats is expected to be capped at 850.
- 03This move aims to maintain the current political balance between northern and southern states.
- 04The expansion of seats is tied to the implementation of the women's reservation quota.
- 05Delimitation has occurred four times in India, with the last major change in 2002.
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The Indian government is set to redraw Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies based on the 2011 Census, but it will not alter the allocation of seats among states. This decision is intended to mitigate fears from opposition parties, including the Congress and the INDIA bloc, that a population-based delimitation could favor northern states over southern ones. Instead, the total number of Lok Sabha seats will be capped at 850, ensuring an even distribution to maintain the existing political balance. This legislative move is also linked to the implementation of the women's reservation under the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, which mandates a 33% quota for women in legislative bodies. If the expansion proceeds, it could result in over 270 women MPs, significantly altering political representation. Historically, delimitation in India has occurred four times, with the last instance in 2002, which did not change the total number of seats due to a constitutional freeze aimed at controlling population growth.
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The decision to maintain the current seat allocation could stabilize political representation across states, particularly benefiting southern states. This may also enhance women's representation in politics, influencing future electoral strategies.
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