What is Delimitation?

What is Delimitation?

Delimitation refers to the process of determining the number of seats and redrawing the boundaries of territorial constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. It also involves identifying the seats to be reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

As per Articles 82 and 170 of the Indian Constitution, the Delimitation Commission, constituted by an act of Parliament, is responsible for readjusting the number of seats and constituency boundaries after each Census. This exercise has been undertaken after the 1951, 1961, and 1971 Censuses.

Constitutional Requirement for Delimitation

India’s democratic system is based on the principle of “one citizen, one vote, one value.” Accordingly, the number of seats in the Lok Sabha has been adjusted in the past to reflect population growth:

• 1951 Census → 494 seats (Population: 36.1 crore)

• 1961 Census → 522 seats (Population: 43.9 crore)

• 1971 Census → 543 seats (Population: 54.8 crore)

This roughly translated to one MP per 7.3 lakh, 8.4 lakh, and 10.1 lakh people, respectively. However, in an effort to encourage population control, the allocation of seats was frozen based on the 1971 Census. This was enforced by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976) and later extended by the 84th Amendment Act (2002) until 2026. While constituency boundaries have been redrawn based on later Censuses (most recently in 2001), the number of seats itself has remained unchanged since 1971.

With 2026 approaching, the seat allocation is set to be revised based on the first Census after this period—originally expected to be the 2031 Census. However, with the 2021 Census being delayed, there are now discussions about using the 2026 Census instead for this long-overdue delimitation exercise.

Key Issues with Delimitation

The primary issue with lifting the seat freeze is the uneven population growth across states.

• States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have experienced higher population growth over the past five decades.

• In contrast, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have achieved population stabilisation through effective family planning policies.

If delimitation is conducted based on population projections for 2026, states with larger populations—mostly in the North—will gain more Lok Sabha seats, while those with lower population growth—primarily in the South—could lose representation.

Two key options are being discussed regarding how the revised delimitation might be implemented:

1. Proportional Redistribution – Seats would be reallocated strictly based on updated population figures, which could significantly reduce the political influence of South Indian states.

2. Expansion of the Lok Sabha – Instead of redistributing the existing 543 seats, the total number of seats could be increased (potentially to 848, as projected by the Carnegie Endowment report). This would allow states with slower population growth to retain their representation while still accommodating growth in other states.

Regardless of the approach taken, the upcoming delimitation exercise is likely to spark intense political debate, especially in states that stand to lose seats despite their significant economic contributions and governance successes.

Tamil Nadu CM Calls for United Opposition Against Delimitation Exercise

With the Union government’s proposed delimitation exercise based on the 2026 Census data approaching, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged political parties in the state to unite in formal opposition to the plan. Warning of its implications, he stated that the process posed an existential threat to the political future of South India. Speaking to reporters in Chennai on 25 February, Stalin announced an all-party meeting scheduled for 5 March, inviting over 40 political parties registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

“The threat of delimitation is hanging over the southern states like the sword of Damocles. Tamil Nadu, a leader in all Human Development Indices, faces a serious danger,” he stated.

Understanding Delimitation and Its Implications

The Delimitation Commission of India is responsible for redrawing parliamentary and assembly constituency boundaries based on the latest Census data, ensuring equal population representation across constituencies. Since 1976, the reallocation of seats has been frozen, meaning that the distribution of Lok Sabha seats is still based on the 1971 Census. The 84th Amendment (2002) extended this freeze until after 2026, preventing states with lower population growth from being penalised for effective family planning policies. With this freeze set to be lifted, the next delimitation exercise will be based on the 2026 Census, significantly altering the distribution of parliamentary seats.

Concerns of South Indian States

Stalin and other leaders in the South argue that delimitation would weaken South India’s political representation, as seat allocation would favour states with larger populations—primarily in the North. Over the past decades, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have successfully reduced fertility rates through improved healthcare, education, and family planning measures. According to a 2019 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace report, Tamil Nadu’s fertility rate dropped below 2.0 as early as 2001, indicating population stabilisation. Conversely, states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh had fertility rates above 4.0 until as recently as 2015, leading to rapid population growth.

“The Union government plans to conduct the delimitation exercise based on the 2026 Census. Tamil Nadu has successfully achieved population stabilisation through effective family planning, prioritising women’s education, and advancements in healthcare,” Stalin stated.

“Delimitation will reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament, while states with larger populations will gain more seats. Tamil Nadu’s voice will be suppressed. This is not just about MPs—this is about Tamil Nadu’s rights.” In a post on X later that day, he reiterated that the issue extended beyond Tamil Nadu to the whole of South India, calling for a “fair, transparent, and equitable approach that upholds true federalism.”

Projected Changes in Lok Sabha Representation

A Carnegie Endowment for International Peace projection based on the 2026 Census suggests:

• Uttar Pradesh would gain 11 seats, increasing from 80 to 91 MPs.

• Bihar would gain 10 seats, while Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh would also see significant increases.

• Tamil Nadu would lose 8 seats, Kerala and Telangana would each lose 8, Andhra Pradesh would lose 8, while Karnataka would lose two.

These figures indicate a clear shift in parliamentary representation towards North India, reinforcing concerns that Southern states would lose political influence.

Economic Contributions vs. Political Representation

Beyond political representation, South Indian states contribute disproportionately to India’s economy and tax revenues. Leaders argue that their economic significance should be considered in any reallocation of seats. BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) supported Stalin’s stance, stating, “You cannot penalise the Southern states for religiously implementing family planning when the nation needed it the most.”

He proposed an alternative approach: “If the Centre is keen on implementing delimitation, I propose delimitation based on fiscal contributions to the nation.” KTR highlighted Telangana’s economic contributions, stating, “While Telangana constitutes only 2.8% of the country’s population, it contributes more than 5.2% of the nation’s GDP.”

Similarly, states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala contribute significantly to India’s economy yet risk losing political influence under the new system.

The BJP’s Position and Potential Benefits

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attempted to allay concerns, asserting that “not a single seat will be reduced in any Southern state on a pro-rata basis” and that South India would receive its “fair share” of new seats.

“The CM of Tamil Nadu always talks about the injustice done to them by the Modi Government. Today, a meeting is being held where they are saying they will not let the South suffer on account of delimitation,” Shah said during an address in Tamil Nadu.

“Mr Stalin ji, the Modi government has made it clear in Lok Sabha that after delimitation, on a pro-rata basis, not a single seat will be reduced in any Southern state. And I want to reassure the public of South India that Modi ji has kept all your interests in mind.”

Shah’s reference to pro-rata allocation suggests that the government may consider expanding the total number of Lok Sabha seats rather than redistributing them within the current 545-seat framework. A larger Lok Sabha, possibly expanding to 848 seats, as projected by the Carnegie report, would allow Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan to gain seats without reducing Tamil Nadu or Kerala’s representation. Despite these reassurances, the BJP stands to gain the most from the process. A Carnegie simulation of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections suggested that if seats were allocated proportionally, the BJP would have won 299 seats instead of 282. Uttar Pradesh alone would have gained 11 seats, strengthening the BJP’s dominance. Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh—strongholds of the party—would have also seen increases, while regional parties from South India and the Congress would have lost representation.

The Path Ahead

The 5 March all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu, convened by Stalin, is expected to be a major flashpoint in the delimitation debate. The DMK has sent invitations to over 40 regional parties, and the meeting’s outcome could lead to a broader political coalition against the exercise, further straining ties between the Centre and South Indian states. “This meeting is the first step towards uniting all parties and leaders in the state to address this critical issue. I urge everyone to rise above party differences and raise a united voice for Tamil Nadu,” Stalin stated.

In the past, opposition to delimitation from South Indian parties has been sporadic, but the potential impact under the current proposal remains clear: North Indian states are set to gain significantly, while Southern states risk losing political leverage.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies