The LS debate on delimitation legislation in 1972-73 saw Indira Gandhi govt drawing criticism from several Oppn as well as Cong MPs, who raised concerns over some states being “punished” for controlling population and others getting “rewarded” for not doing it
A delimitation storm is brewing in the South with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin opposing the population-based exercise over fears that southern states would lose out on the Lok Sabha seats. At an all-party meeting that he held in Chennai on Wednesday, Stalin said the 1971 Census should remain the basis for any allocation of seats through delimitation for 30 more years beyond 2026.
Stalin contended that if the number of Parliamentary seats is to be increased, the proportion of seats for each state should be based on the proportional ratio of 1971. This would ensure that even if the number of Lok Sabha seats is raised above the current 543, the states get the same share of seats that they got as per the 1971 Census.
