Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin advocated for equal treatment of all states.
In a groundbreaking move, the Tamil Nadu Assembly today passed two resolutions, marking a significant stance against proposed governmental reforms. The first resolution condemns the impending delimitation exercise following a fresh Census, while the second rebuffs the Center”s advocacy for “One Nation One Election”—a simultaneous polling system for both Assemblies and Lok Sabha.
Chief Minister MK Stalin, while presenting the resolution against the delimitation plan, spoke about the repercussions faced by states like Tamil Nadu, which have diligently managed their population growth, only to potentially suffer reduced political representation. The resolution underscores the vital contributions of states like Tamil Nadu to socio-economic development over the past five decades.
“States like Tamil Nadu should not be penalised for implementing various socio-economic development programmes and welfare schemes for the benefit of the people over the past 50 years,” one of the resolutions, passed with support from members cutting across party lines, read.
Talking about the disparity in population growth in Tamil Nadu and Bihar since 1971, Stalin expressed concern over Tamil Nadu losing political heft if the delimitation proceeds without due consideration. Stalin described delimitation as a “Damocles sword” hanging over Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana as it will reduce their political representation.
“Over the past five decades, Bihar”s population has surged to over one-and-a-half times that of Tamil Nadu. Already, with 39 MPs, we are begging. If numbers drop, what will happen?” he asked.
Stalin advocated for equal treatment of all states, cautioning against a political representation model solely based by population. Such an approach, he contends, undermines the principles of democracy and risks exacerbating existing disparities among states. Therefore, he urged the Union Government to postpone the delimitation exercise until equitable population control measures are universally enforced.
Opposing the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, Stalin asserted its impracticality and infringement upon democratic principles of decentralization. He argued that holding simultaneous elections across diverse levels of governance undermines the nuanced issues addressed by staggered electoral cycles, thereby threatening democratic processes.
Stalin also said that such a plan was “impractical” and against “free, fair, and independent” elections. “Simultaneous elections might lead to dissolution of state assemblies. Since such a move is anti-Constitution, we need to oppose this tooth and nail,” he said.
Delimitation
The census and delimitation exercise slated for 2026 heralds a significant shift in India”s political landscape, with the number of Lok Sabha seats projected to soar from 543 to an unprecedented 753. Forecasts indicate a substantial surge in representation, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, already a powerhouse in parliamentary contributions. However, this surge is poised to disproportionately favour northern states, accentuating the disparity in regional representation and electoral influence.
Set against an estimated population of 1.42 billion in 2026, the impending delimitation process, pivotal for redrawing constituency boundaries based on population dynamics, is poised to recalibrate political dynamics across the country. Projections suggest a moderate increase in Lok Sabha seats for southern states, with Karnataka expected to rise from 28 to 36 seats, Telangana from 17 to 20, Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 28, and Tamil Nadu from 39 to 41. Kerala, celebrated for its effective population control measures, will have its Lok Sabha seats reduce from 20 to 19.
Conversely, northern states are slated to witness a substantial surge in representation, with Uttar Pradesh”s seats ballooning from 80 to 128 and Bihar”s rising from 40 to 70, indicative of their rapid population growth. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are poised for significant seat increases, with projections of 47, 68, and 44 seats respectively.
The stark numerical imbalance between northern and southern regions is expected to provoke scrutiny and opposition backlash.
The number of Lok Sabha seats has not increased since 1977. The Delimitation Commission was constituted four times in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. The delimitation was omitted following the censuses of 1981 and 1991, while the 2001 census saw limited seat adjustments.
Under the President, the Delimitation Commission, comprising retired Supreme Court judges, works closely with the Election Commission, whose decision can’t be challenged.
One Nation, One Election
The concept of “One Nation, One Election” in India proposes the synchronisation of elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies, aiming to streamline the electoral process. Championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and propelled into the limelight by the appointment of former President Ram Nath Kovind to explore its feasibility, the government”s earnestness in this endeavor is underscored ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The primary allure of “One Nation, One Election” lies in its promise to curtail the exorbitant costs associated with conducting separate elections. The simultaneous elections would lessen the burden on administrative and security agencies, liberating them from the recurrent demands of election duties.
The supporters of the idea say that such a reform would foster a conducive environment for governance, mitigating the disruptive influence of perpetual electioneering on policy implementation. It would bolster voter participation and lead to higher turnout rates, they claim.
Critics say that the overarching focus on national issues could eclipse regional concerns, potentially skewing electoral outcomes at the state level.
Also, the realisation of “One Nation, One Election” necessitates constitutional amendments and legislative adjustments, which is going be a challenge. Securing unanimous agreement among political factions poses a formidable obstacle.
