N Chandrababu Naidu@ncbn
By defeating the Delimitation and Constitutional Amendment Bill, the opposition parties have done a great disservice to the Nation.
With the freeze under Article 81 set to end after the first Census conducted post 2026, the forthcoming census exercise will reset seat distribution purely on population, potentially leading to a steep decline in representation for Southern, North-Eastern, and smaller states.
The NDA’s proposal was a sincere effort to preserve federal balance, protect the voice of Southern, North-Eastern, and smaller states, and ensure 33% representation for women. It recognised that states which have performed well on key development indicators should not be penalised in the democratic structure.
It is unfortunate that political agendas have prevailed over long term national interest. Those celebrating this outcome must introspect, we have lost an opportunity to secure a fair and constitutional safeguard for rightful representation.
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