New Delhi, April 5: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi stated on Sunday that redistricting is essential for effective representation and development. However, she cautioned that this process should not lead to undue political advantages or be influenced by partisan interests.
In a post on the social media platform X, the former Rajya Sabha member highlighted the increasing burden on MPs, saying that redistricting is a necessity. “Members of Parliament must stretch themselves across six densely populated assembly constituencies, which affects their focus on development work,” she noted. Chaturvedi pointed out that efforts for redistricting have been repeatedly postponed over the years, stressing the need for a fair process.
“All attempts to bring about redistricting have been delayed for years,” Chaturvedi remarked. She emphasized that it is crucial to complete this process in a fair manner, ensuring that no disproportionate benefits accrue to the ruling party and that political interference is avoided.
The issue of redistricting for Lok Sabha and state assembly seats has once again become a focal point of political discussion. The constitutional freeze imposed based on the 1971 census is nearing its end.
The census process commenced on April 1, 2026, with updated figures expected to be available by 2027. Following this, the legal process for redistricting, which involves redefining constituency boundaries and redistributing seats among states, will become necessary.
The ongoing debate on redistricting is also directly linked to the Women’s Reservation Bill, formally known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023. This law provides for 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies; however, its implementation depends on the redistricting process following the next census.
Priyanka Chaturvedi has consistently supported this law, while also stressing that it should not be treated merely as a distant promise but should be implemented in a timely and effective manner.
Recent discussions within the government have included proposals for amendments and the possibility of convening a special session of Parliament. Options have been considered to separate some aspects of this process from redistricting or to expedite it.
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