Delimitation in India: An Analysis
The current debate on delimitation in India is crucial not merely for individual states like Tamil Nadu but for the national unity as a whole. A resolution has been adopted by an all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu advocating the postponement of delimitation by 30 years.
Delimitation and National Unity
- Federal Contract: The argument is that a permanent freeze on the reallocation of parliamentary seats is vital for national cohesion. The distribution of Lok Sabha seats should be seen as a sacred compact, akin to a "federal contract," never to be revisited.
- Constitutional Concerns: This suggestion challenges the principles of the Indian Constitution, specifically the democratic principle of "one person, one vote, one value."
Current Issues
- Anomalies in Representation: There are significant discrepancies in voter value across states; for instance, a voter in Kerala represents nearly double the value compared to one in UP due to population disparities.
- Asymmetrical Federalism: Smaller states receive disproportionate representation in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the principle of asymmetrical federalism.
Fault Lines in India
- Cultural Fault Line: The divide between Hindi-speaking northern states and non-Hindi-speaking southern, eastern, and western states persists.
- Economic Fault Line: There is significant economic inequality between regions, particularly between the south-west and the northern and eastern parts of India.
Potential Impact of Delimitation
- Projected Seat Changes: A reallocation of seats could result in a significant shift. For example, South Indian states could lose seats while North Indian Hindi-speaking states could gain, affecting the balance of power.
- Concentration of Power: The "Hindi heartland" could control a majority of Lok Sabha seats, potentially upsetting the balance of the Indian Union.
Conclusion: Towards a Just Republic
The article argues for acknowledging an implicit federal contract that respects unity in diversity. A permanent freeze on population-based representation and a consensus on this contract could lead to a "just republic," aligning with the foundational principles of the Republic of India.