Former MLC K.S. Lakshman Rao and High Court advocate Umesh Chandra P.V.G. participating in a meeting on delimitation, in Guntur, on Wednesday.
The Constitutional Debate Forum (CDF) on Wednesday held a key meeting in Guntur on “Delimitation – A Constitutional Perspective,” where legal experts and political figures stressed the urgent need to initiate the long-delayed delimitation process. The event featured former Member of Legislative Council (MLC) K.S. Lakshman Rao and High Court advocate Umesh Chandra P.V.G as key speakers.
Addressing the gathering, advocate Umesh Chandra emphasised that the delimitation exercise — mandated by the Constitution and overdue for more than five decades — must be undertaken without further delay. He highlighted that the current representation in Parliament continues to rely on population data from the 1971 census, despite exponential demographic changes across the country since then.
“Delimitation is a sine qua non for strengthening the federal structure and ensuring fair representation,” said Umesh Chandra. “Post-1971, most States have witnessed significant population growth, and updating representation based on the 2026 census will enhance their voice in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha alike,” he added.
He acknowledged concerns from southern and northeastern States, along with Punjab, which implemented population control measures in line with national mandates and now fear marginalisation if delimitation is based solely on population size. However, he urged these States to present their case before the Delimitation Commission — an autonomous statutory body — rather than stall the process altogether.
“The apprehensions are legitimate, but the solution lies in engagement, not obstruction,” he asserted. He pointed out that Articles 82 and 170 of the Constitution include the phrase “so far as practicable”, offering room for negotiation and the incorporation of broader parameters such as fiscal contributions and geographic factors in the delimitation framework.
The advocate also argued that in an era of coalition governments at the Centre, delimitation is crucial for empowering States politically and securing equitable fiscal devolution. He noted that any necessary Constitutional amendment resulting from the process would require a special majority in both Houses of Parliament — providing an additional safeguard for State interests.
Published – May 21, 2025 08:44 pm IST
