The Joint Action Committee (JAC) raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency and clarity in the Union government’s approach to delimitation.
The committee, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, passed a resolution on Saturday demanding greater transparency in any delimitation exercise.
The JAC stressed the need for political parties, state governments, and other stakeholders to be involved in the process.
The resolution called for the extension of the freeze on Parliamentary constituencies, which has been based on the 1971 Census population, for another 25 years. This freeze was put in place to prevent changes in constituency boundaries, which could unfairly affect states that have successfully controlled their population growth. The JAC highlighted the importance of incentivising states that have implemented effective population control measures. They also argued that, since the goal of national population stabilisation has not been fully achieved, the freeze should remain in place.
The JAC made it clear that any delimitation exercise should be transparent. Political parties, state governments, and all relevant stakeholders should be allowed to discuss and contribute to the process. This is vital for ensuring that the exercise reflects the democratic values of fairness and equality.
Also read: MK Stalin warns delimitation will undermine Federalism
The committee also urged the Union government not to penalise states that have successfully reduced their population. It was emphasised that these states, whose population share has fallen, should not face disadvantage in the delimitation process. The Union government was urged to enact necessary constitutional amendments to protect these states.
Furthermore, the JAC resolved that political parties in different states would introduce resolutions in their respective legislative assemblies on the issue. These resolutions would be sent to the Union government to make the case for maintaining the freeze. The JAC also pledged to engage in public awareness campaigns. They would educate citizens about the history of delimitation exercises and the possible consequences of any proposed changes.
Additionally, the JAC vowed that Members of Parliament (MPs) from the represented states would oppose any attempts by the Union government to proceed with delimitation that contradicts these principles. A Core Committee of MPs will coordinate strategies in Parliament to prevent such attempts. This committee will submit a joint representation to the Prime Minister during the ongoing Parliamentary session.
The meeting in Chennai was attended by leaders from states such as Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, and Odisha. The JAC’s next meeting on delimitation will be held in Hyderabad, Telangana.
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