Balancing Demographic Representation And Regional Equality In India’s Delimitation Process
- IJLLR Journal
- 50 minutes ago
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Anusha Sanjeevkumar Shatagar, Christ Academy Institute of Law
India as the world's largest democracy it is characterized by diversity in terms of religion, language, culture, and regional identities. Balancing demographic representation and regional equality in its delimitation process—a system of redrawing electoral boundaries is a complex task that underpins the functioning of its political system. This essay explores the challenges, principles, and implications of balancing these factors in India’s delimitation process.
The Role of the Delimitation Process
Delimitation involves redefining the boundaries of constituencies for elections to ensure equitable representation based on population changes. It is guided by the principle of "one person, one vote" to maintain electoral fairness. However, in a country as diverse as India, this process cannot be reduced to a mere numerical exercise. It must also ensure that regional aspirations and minority voices are adequately represented while promoting national integration. the redrawing of electoral boundaries, is a cornerstone of India's democratic framework1. It ensures that every citizen's vote carries equal weight, reflecting the principle of “one person, one vote.” 2However, the process in India has been mired in challenges, particularly in balancing demographic representation with regional equity. These challenges stem from the country's vast socio-cultural diversity and uneven population growth across regions.
