Vijayan accused the BJP-led central government of pushing ahead with the delimitation process without consultations, driven by "narrow political interests" rather than constitutional principles.
Published Mar 22, 2025 | 4:21 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 22, 2025 | 4:21 PM
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan with Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan opposed the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, arguing it would weaken southern states’ representation and disrupt India’s federal structure. He criticized the BJP-led government for penalizing states like Kerala, which successfully controlled population growth. Vijayan warned that the process, based on population figures, would marginalize regional voices and undermine federalism, calling for a consensus-based approach.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday, 22 March, strongly opposed the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, warning that it would disproportionately weaken the representation of southern states and undermine India’s federal structure.
Speaking at the first meeting of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) on delimitation, hosted by Tamil Nadu in Chennai, Vijayan reminded the Union Government that “federalism is not a gift from the Union, but a right of the states.”
Vijayan accused the BJP-led central government of pushing ahead with the delimitation process without consultations, driven by “narrow political interests” rather than constitutional principles.
‘Dispropotianetly benefits northern states’
He argued that states like Kerala, which have successfully implemented population control measures, are now being penalized with reduced representation, while those that failed to curb population growth stand to gain more seats.
“The proposed delimitation is hanging over our heads like the sword of Damocles. If it is carried out based purely on population figures, Kerala and other southern states will suffer, while the northern states will see a significant increase in seats. This will suit the BJP, as they hold greater influence in the north,” Vijayan said.
The meeting, convened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, had reached out to leaders from seven states —Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, and Punjab.
The states argued that the delimitation process if conducted purely based on population figures from the upcoming census, would disproportionately benefit northern states at the expense of the south, which has successfully implemented population control measures.
Dignitaries who attended the JAC
Vijayan highlighted the paradox in the Centre’s approach, stating that Kerala and other southern states were now being penalized for effectively implementing the National Population Policy of 1976.
“Our states have been reducing population growth since 1973. When a state faithfully implements a nationally recognized policy, it deserves special consideration. Instead, we are being punished for our achievements. The approach seems to be: ‘Now you have a smaller population, so you deserve lesser funds and lesser representation.’ This is deplorable,” he asserted.
He pointed out that Kerala’s share of the central tax pool had steadily declined over time due to its lower population growth.
“Kerala’s share, which was 3.875 percent during the 10th Finance Commission, has now dwindled to a paltry 1.925 percent in the 15th Finance Commission,” he said.
The leaders also warned that a delimitation exercise that reduces representation for states that successfully implemented population control policies would disrupt India’s federal balance.
Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin at the JAC
Vijayan accused the Union government of pushing for a centralized power structure that weakens regional voices. “India’s Constitution identifies the country as a ‘Union of States,’ which underlines our federal character. Delimitation, as it is being pursued now, will disproportionately empower states that did not implement national policies like population control. It creates a perverse incentive where states will hesitate to invest in human development for fear of losing political representation,” he said.
Citing historical concerns, he pointed out that the Sarkaria Commission had warned against excessive centralization, stating that “federalism is not a mere administrative arrangement but a fundamental feature of the Constitution.”
He argued that redrawing constituencies purely based on population, without considering cultural and linguistic diversity, would marginalize states with distinct identities.
“When smaller or less populous states lose political clout, their ability to safeguard their cultural traditions diminishes. A Parliament dominated by populous northern states could sideline regional priorities and weaken India’s pluralism,” Vijayan said.
The chief minister also cautioned against the centralisation of power, arguing that it would stifle state-specific innovations crucial for India’s diverse fabric.
Vijayan highlighted India’s cultural and linguistic plurality as a strength, citing Kerala’s Kudumbashree initiative and Tamil Nadu’s mid-day meal scheme as state-led models that later became national templates.
“Cultural preservation and federalism are intertwined, and India’s experience underlines this,” he asserted, warning that excessive centralisation could undermine local governance and policy-making.
Article 82 of the Constitution mandates the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies after each census. However, the last major reorganization of seats was conducted in 1973, based on the 1971 Census.
The 42nd Constitutional Amendment of 1976 froze delimitation until after the first census post-2000, which was further extended by the 84th Constitutional Amendment until after the 2026 Census.
At JAC
Vijayan noted that the 2021 Census had not yet been conducted, yet the Union government appeared eager to push ahead with delimitation.
“Decisions to conduct or delay delimitation have always been based on the political convenience of those in power,” he said, accusing the BJP of attempting to manipulate parliamentary representation in its favour.
He warned that if the process was carried out now, Kerala’s reduced population share would inevitably lead to fewer parliamentary seats, further weakening the state’s ability to voice its concerns at the national level.
He also expressed concerns over the Union Government’s approach to the upcoming delimitation process, stating that assurances of additional parliamentary seats for states cannot be taken at face value.
The chief minister questioned whether the pro-rata distribution of seats would be based on the current strength of parliamentary constituencies or population figures.
“The Union Government should alleviate our fears. It is their responsibility to refrain from unilateral measures and preserve the essence of democracy and federalism,” he said.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) resolved to oppose any unilateral move by the Union government on delimitation and called for a consensus-based approach that does not penalize states for successful governance policies.
“We need to ensure that the delimitation exercise is carried out in such a way that our current proportional share of seats in Parliament is retained,” Vijayan said.
“Our collective resistance is not just about seats; it is a fight to preserve India’s soul as a diverse and inclusive democracy,” Vijayan concluded.
The Joint Action Committee is expected to meet again at Hyderabad to formulate a concrete strategy to take up the issue at the national level.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
