Topic

Advertisement
TOPIC

Delimitation

Delimitation refers to the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure fair representation based on population changes. In India, this exercise is carried out by the Delimitation Commission, an independent body appointed by the President and guided by the Election Commission of India. The main objective is to balance voter representation and uphold democratic principles.

Delimitation is mandated by Article 82 and Article 170 of the Indian Constitution. It is conducted based on the latest Census data to account for demographic shifts. However, due to concerns about regional imbalances, Parliament froze the delimitation process in 1976, postponing it until after 2026. The last delimitation exercise was conducted in 2002, based on the 1971 Census, though seat numbers remained unchanged.

Delimitation plays a crucial role in correcting population disparities among constituencies and ensuring fair electoral representation. However, it can be politically sensitive, as it may alter power dynamics among states and communities. The expected post-2026 delimitation could significantly impact states with higher population growth, particularly in North India, potentially reshaping India's political landscape.

...Read More
  • ALL
  • STORIES
  • VIDEOS

STORIES

From the Editor-in-Chief

Women’s reservation is not merely a legislative adjustment, it is a test of India's ability to accommodate complexity without losing direction

The BJP game plan is to win big even in defeat

The BJP-led NDA fell short of the votes required for the passage of the three bills linked to reserving 33% of seats for women. PM Narendra Modi himself spoke about the lack of numbers. So, why did the BJP push for the passage of the bills? The plan is a larger victory despite the defeat in Parliament. This is how.

Load More

VIDEOS

Video: Priyanka Gandhi calls bill defeat in Lok Sabha a victory for democracy

The opposition has blocked a bill in Parliament, describing the move as a victory for democracy and the federal structure. The defeated legislation linked women's reservation to a new delimitation exercise based on the 2011 census. The opposition argued the bill was a move to alter parliamentary proportions, potentially reducing the political weight of Southern states and bypassing a caste census. Instead of the proposed changes, the opposition demanded the immediate implementation of the 2023 women's reservation legislation on the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats. Furthermore, there is a demand for an Other Backward Classes quota within the women's reservation framework. The opposition accused the government of using women's rights as a shield to push through a delimitation agenda that would alter electoral dynamics, stating they will fight for immediate representation without compromising the federal balance.

NDA MPs protest in Parliament complex as women's quota bill fails Lok Sabha test

The Women's Reservation Bill failed to pass the floor test in Parliament, falling short of the required two-thirds majority by 54 votes, with 298 votes in favour and 230 against. Following the defeat, women parliamentarians from the ruling coalition staged a protest in the Parliament complex, accusing the opposition alliance of obstructing women's empowerment.