During the discussion on Delimitation Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi expressed strong objection to the Central Government. He said that this bill may upset the balance in the country and weaken the voice of small states, especially areas like Jammu and Kashmir.
While presenting his views, Mehdi said that he fears that after this delimitation, only a few big states will start taking decisions of the entire country. According to him, big states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat will have more than 400 seats that they can single-handedly impose decisions on smaller states. He said that this will destroy the equal balance in Parliament and the political power of small states will reduce.
We are helpless- Syed Ruhullah Mehdi
Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said that we are helpless. The ratio that we saw in 2019 will get worse after this delimitation. Whatever his lathi is, it will rain on the South also. It will rain on Bengal also, it will rain on North East also and I am happy that this entire South Kashmir will be formed. This Bengal became Kashmir. These became North East Kashmir and they came to know what atrocities were committed against Kashmir. Home Minister Amit Shah objected to these words and a heated debate was witnessed between the two in the House. Amit Shah said what are you saying?
Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’s allegation
Mehdi also alleged that gerrymandering can be done in the name of delimitation, that is, the boundaries of electoral constituencies can be changed in such a way that certain sections or parties benefit. Mehdi said that such an experience has happened before in Jammu and Kashmir, where the population ratio was changed in such a way that the influence of one community was reduced. Mehdi said that this may reduce the political power of minorities and the value of their votes may also reduce. He also said that when Jammu and Kashmir became a part of India in 1947, some rights and security issues were decided, but gradually they are ending.
Mention of removal of Section 370
Mehdi also mentioned the removal of Article 370 in 2019 and said that even at that time the consent of Jammu and Kashmir was not taken. He said that Parliament is the only platform where the people of Jammu and Kashmir can express their views, but if their representation in the Parliament itself becomes weak then who will listen to their voice. Mehdi also said that already the balance of seats in the Parliament is more inclined towards North India and if new delimitation takes place then this imbalance will increase further. He warned that it would affect not only Kashmir but also South India, Bengal and north-eastern states.
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