India is preparing for a delimitation exercise in 2026, which will redraw parliamentary constituencies for the first time since 1971.
The delay was meant to encourage population control, preventing states from losing representation. However, as northern states' populations have grown faster, they are now underrepresented in the Lok Sabha.
Southern states, which successfully reduced their population growth, fear losing parliamentary seats, while northern states are set to gain.
This disparity has sparked political concerns, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where multiple parties oppose the move. They argue that it would unfairly reward population growth and weaken their influence.
The issue is further complicated by political and linguistic divisions.
Northern states are strongholds of the ruling BJP and largely Hindi-speaking, while southern states are linguistically diverse.
Despite government assurances, concerns persist that southern states may be disadvantaged in parliamentary representation.
