Political activity in Punjab intensified when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) vehemently opposed the central government's proposed delimitation process.
Chandigarh: Political activity in Punjab intensified when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) openly opposed the central government's proposed delimitation process. On Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with several opposition leaders, participated in a conference organized by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing the BJP government of undermining democracy.
'Reduction in Seats Where BJP is Weak' – Bhagwant Mann
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that the BJP's real motive behind the delimitation is to reduce the number of seats in states where it faces defeat. He alleged that the BJP aims to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats in the Hindi belt to strengthen its position, while attempting to reduce them in states like Punjab and South India.
He said, "This is a conspiracy against democracy. The BJP's agenda is clear – reduce parliamentary seats where it doesn't get votes. But we will not let it succeed."
Akali Dal Also Raises Questions
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder also deemed the new delimitation proposal unfair. He stated that the basis for determining seats should remain the 1971 census. "We will not allow any injustice to states that have performed better in population control. Redistributing seats is merely a ploy to gain political advantage."
Fellow Akali Dal leader Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said the delimitation process should be transparent and impartial. He also recalled that the late leader Prakash Singh Badal always advocated for strengthening the federal structure.
Punjab Joins Southern States in Opposition
The delimitation proposal faces b opposition from South Indian states as well. At a meeting in Chennai, leaders from Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal demonstrated unity on the issue, demanding that the proposal be deferred for the next 25 years. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated that, "If the delimitation process does not continue based on the 1971 census, it will be an injustice to states that have taken stringent measures for population control."
BJP Rejects Opposition Allegations
The BJP rejected the opposition parties' allegations, stating that the delimitation process will adhere to the constitution and democratic values. Party leaders said this decision is being taken in the national interest and aims to make parliamentary representation more balanced. The delimitation process involves redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies. Its purpose is to reorganize parliamentary seats according to changes in population.
However, several states, particularly Punjab and those in South India, are opposing this proposal because they have performed better in population control. If delimitation is based on the 2021 census, North Indian states could gain more Lok Sabha seats, while states like Punjab and Tamil Nadu could see a reduction.
