Delimitation of the constituencies – Impacts, challenges, and the way forward

Context: A delimitation of the constituencies that will elect members of the Lok Sabha, following the population figures returned by the next decennial Census, is to take place in 2026. A delimitation freeze was put in position by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi through the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution in 1976. This was extended by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee through the 84th Amendment. It is this extension that is to end in 2026.

What is the delimitation of the constituencies?

• Boundary delimitation (or simply delimitation) is the drawing of boundaries, particularly of the electoral precinct, states, countries or other municipalities.
• In the context of elections, it can be called redistribution and is used to prevent unbalance of the population across districts.
• It is done in a country to represent changes in popul