New Delhi, August 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A political confrontation over the proposed delimitation exercise intensified on Saturday after Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that the exercise could weaken the political representation of several states, particularly Tamil Nadu, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies.
Addressing reporters in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, Rahul Gandhi urged political parties across the country, especially those in the state, to unite against any delimitation proposal that, according to him, could reduce Tamil Nadu’s political influence in Parliament. He alleged that the exercise was aimed at diminishing the state’s representation and called for a united opposition to any related legislation.
Congress leaders echoed his concerns. Party MP Manickam Tagore said the issue was of critical importance for Tamil Nadu and asserted that he would oppose any delimitation proposal that adversely affected the state’s representation. Congress MPs Imran Masood and Sukhdeo Bhagat also criticised the proposed exercise, arguing that it could adversely impact southern states and alleging that representation should remain the guiding principle in any delimitation process.
The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations and accused the Congress of attempting to politicise a constitutional process.
BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha said the Congress and other “dynastic political parties” feared delimitation because an increase in parliamentary seats would create opportunities for more young leaders and individuals from non-political backgrounds to enter public life. He reiterated that the Centre had repeatedly clarified that parliamentary seats in all states, including those in southern India, would increase on a pro-rata basis.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya accused Rahul Gandhi of opposing initiatives undertaken by the Central government, while Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore defended delimitation as necessary to address disparities in the population represented by different Lok Sabha constituencies.
Janata Dal (United) MLC Neeraj Kumar Singh said the issue should be debated within the constitutional framework rather than being turned into a political controversy.
BJP leader T.R. Srinivas also criticised Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, rejecting the allegation that the delimitation exercise was aimed at reducing Tamil Nadu’s political influence and asserting that the constitutional process should not be misrepresented.
The delimitation issue is expected to remain a major point of political debate as Parliament prepares to discuss related matters in the coming days.
FOLLOW NOW
