Relevance: GS2-SEC2

Introduction

The growing discourse around the upcoming delimitation exercise has reignited concerns regarding the regional power imbalance between North and South Indian states. The recent alignment between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and DMK’s stance on delimitation and language issues signifies a rare convergence of ideologically distinct entities, both voicing concerns about preserving the political and cultural integrity of the South.

Understanding Delimitation

Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly constituencies based on the latest census data. It directly affects the allocation of seats and political representation in Parliament.

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) froze the delimitation process until after the 2001 census to encourage population control. Later, the 84th Amendment extended this freeze till 2026.

As the 2026 deadline approaches, there is a growing apprehension in South Indian states, where population growth has been well-managed, that they may lose parliamentary seats to more populous northern states.

Key Issues Under Debate

1. Population Control Paradox
   • Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka have successfully implemented population control measures.
   • However, the delimitation process, if purely based on population, would reward northern states for higher growth by granting them more seats.
2. Loss of Political Representation
   • The South fears a dilution of its voice in Parliament, as states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar stand to gain more seats.
   • RSS echoed DMK’s concern, emphasizing the need to maintain a fair regional balance in Parliament.
3. Language Imposition Concerns
   • DMK and other regional parties have also opposed what they call an attempt to impose Hindi or a three-language formula.
   • The RSS clarified that regional languages should be respected and people should have the right to communicate in the language of their region.
   • The demand is for multilingualism in Parliament and in government communication.
4. Federalism and Cultural Autonomy
   • Southern states assert that delimitation and centralised language policies threaten India’s cooperative federalism.
   • They advocate for decentralised governance that respects linguistic and cultural differences.
5. Emergence of Unusual Alliances
   • The RSS and DMK, despite stark ideological differences, have aligned on the principle that any future delimitation exercise must ensure fairness to southern states.
   • Both parties reject any formula that may lead to domination of the South by numerically larger states in the North.

Broader Implications of Delimitation

• Democratic Imbalance
  • The South contributes significantly to GDP, tax revenues, and social development. Reducing their political weight may deepen regional discontent.
• Unity in Diversity vs. Uniformity
  • The opposition to a rigid three-language policy reflects deeper concerns over homogenisation of culture, language, and politics.
• Revival of Regional Sentiment
  • Political parties in the South may use this issue to rally regional identity and resist centralisation.
• Challenges to Electoral Equity
  • Balancing “one person, one vote” with “equitable federal representation” will be the key challenge for the Delimitation Commission post-2026.

Way Forward

1. Rethink Population-Based Seat Allocation
   • Consider weighted formulas that account for governance performance, population control, and federal equity.
2. Safeguard Linguistic Rights
   • Ensure representation in regional languages in Parliament, with simultaneous translation facilities.
3. Federal Consultations Before Delimitation
   • Delimitation must involve consensus-building through consultations with states and regional parties.
4. Parliamentary Reform
   • Explore bicameral or federal representation models to ensure balanced voice for smaller or well-performing states.
5. Census Delays and Reforms
   • Conduct the delayed 2021 Census with adequate safeguards to ensure the accuracy of data before any seat redistribution.

Conclusion

The RSS-DMK convergence signals that concerns around delimitation and language are not partisan but structural. The looming delimitation exercise must not merely be a numbers game but a reflection of India’s federal character, diversity, and constitutional values. If not handled sensitively, it risks exacerbating the North-South divide and undermining national unity.