Ranchi, Sep 1: The political debate over delimitation in Jharkhand intensified on Monday, with BJP state general secretary Amar Kumar Bauri questioning the Congress over its stand on the issue and alleging that earlier delimitation decisions had adversely affected tribal representation in the state.
Bauri’s remarks came amid a continuing political discussion over the possible impact of a future delimitation exercise on Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies, particularly seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.
Addressing a press conference in Ranchi, Bauri referred to the delimitation exercise carried out in the past and alleged that decisions taken during the Congress-led government had resulted in a reduction in tribal representation in Jharkhand.
He asked the Congress to clarify its position on the issue.The BJP leader also referred to proposals concerning an increase in the number of elected seats. According to figures cited by him, Jharkhand’s 81-member Assembly could see its strength rise to around 121 seats if such an expansion is implemented.
He further claimed that the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes could also increase.Bauri said the BJP-supported proposal would strengthen political representation and questioned why opposition parties, including the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, were not supporting it.
He also highlighted the BJP’s record on tribal issues, referring to the creation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000 and the national observance of Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
Bauri further referred to the election of President Droupadi Murmu while arguing that the BJP has consistently worked towards strengthening the representation and welfare of tribal communities.The BJP leader also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking him to explain the party’s position on the proposed expansion of seats and to respond to allegations concerning previous delimitation decisions.
The issue gained further political attention after a recent tribal gathering in Ranchi raised concerns about delimitation and its possible impact on tribal representation.
Delimitation involves redrawing constituency boundaries and may affect the number and distribution of seats in legislative bodies. Given Jharkhand’s significant tribal population, any future changes in constituency boundaries and reserved seats are likely to remain politically sensitive.
The figures and allegations cited by Bauri represent the BJP’s position, while the issue of future delimitation and its impact would depend on the official process and decisions taken by the relevant constitutional and statutory authorities.
