Southern states demand 1971 census as basis for delimitation, fear losing representation
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's all-party meeting has reignited the debate on delimitation, with southern states urging the Centre to retain the 1971 Census as the basis for seat allocation for the next 30 years. The resolution passed at the meeting condemned the impending delimitation exercise, citing concerns over political representation and resource allocation.
The controversy arises from fears that the upcoming delimitation, likely based on the 2021 Census, will benefit northern states with higher population growth rates while disadvantaging southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, which have successfully controlled their population growth.
Concerns over representation
Southern leaders argue that using the latest Census data for delimitation would reduce or stagnate the number of Lok Sabha seats in the South while significantly increasing representation for northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. However, Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that southern states would not lose seats under a "pro-rata" delimitation method.
According to some studies, if the 2021 Census is used, Karnataka’s seats may drop from 28 to 26, Andhra Pradesh’s from 42 to 34, Kerala’s from 20 to 12, and Tamil Nadu’s from 39 to 31. Meanwhile, the North’s share of Lok Sabha seats is projected to rise to nearly 60%.
Historical context
Delimitation exercises have been conducted in 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002 under the Delimitation Commission. The current Lok Sabha strength of 543 seats is based on the 1971 Census, as a constitutional amendment froze delimitation until 2026. Under Article 82 of the Constitution, only Census data post-2026 can be used for future delimitation. However, the decadal Census, originally scheduled for 2021, has been indefinitely delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts call for rational formula
Constitutional expert P.D.T. Achary stated that while demands for using the 1971 Census are understandable, a long-term solution is needed. He suggested a differentiated approach, where states with larger populations could have constituencies based on 20-25 lakh people, while smaller states could be allotted seats based on a lower population threshold.
The issue has also sparked political backlash, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accusing the BJP of using delimitation to consolidate power. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has also opposed the move, calling it an attempt to weaken southern states politically.
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Sai Baba temple at Shirdi not to allow garlands, bouquets, shawls inside
Mumbai, May 10 (PTI): Amid heightened security concerns in the country, the Sai Baba temple trust at Shirdi in Maharashtra has decided not to allow garland, bouquets and shawls to brought inside the temple complex.
The famous temple which draws millions of devotees every year had received a threatening email last week.
Goraksh Gadilkar, a member of the Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, said devotees will be searched before entering the temple.
"The Sansthan received a threat email on May 2. In view of India-Pakistan tensions and the security alert across the country, flowers, garlands, prasad and shawls will not be allowed inside," he told PTI.
The Ahilyanagar district police have also made some suggestions to enhance the security of the temple.
On Friday, the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai said it will not allow garlands, prasad and coconuts inside from May 11.
