What happens if there is no Constitutional Amendment on Delimitation?
The article discusses the BJP's push for a constitutional amendment to facilitate a fresh delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies, potentially increasing seats and reserving one-third for women. It clarifies that while the BJP seeks an amendment to change existing provisions, a delimitation exercise is already mandated by Articles 81 and 82 of the Constitution after the 2027 Census, even without an amendment.
Why it matters
Delimitation significantly impacts political representation and power distribution across Indian states, potentially altering the balance of power in the Lok Sabha and affecting future electoral outcomes. The debate highlights the complexities of constitutional law and political strategy in India.
The story so far: The BJP is keen to kick off a fresh delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies . It is trying to garner a two-thirds majority in Parliament to pass a Constitutional amendment for this purpose. In April 2026, it had moved the amendment but could not pass it. The Centre has not revealed its exact proposals. The proposals that the Centre placed before Parliament in the previous Session were the following:
1) Increase the size of the Lok Sabha up to a maximum of 850 seats; 2) distribute these seats among the States on the basis of the 2011 Census through a fresh, countrywide delimitation of constituencies; and 3) reserve one-third of the total seats for women.
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