Angul (Odisha) [India]: Haryana Minister Krishan Lal Panwar on Sunday emphasized the significance of delimitation, stating that it will become “essential” after 20 to 25 years. He also launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, claiming that “regional parties are slowly finishing.”
Speaking about the Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting on delimitation, Panwar said:
“Delimitation is a process. It is essential after 20-25 years. It happened in 2009… Now is the time again. The process will begin in 2026, and by 2029, both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections will be held based on the new delimitation.”
He further criticized opposition parties, saying:
“Right before the Lok Sabha elections, they formed the INDIA Alliance to stop the BJP. But PM Modi became the Prime Minister for the third consecutive time. So, regional parties are slowly finishing.”
Panwar on BJP’s Growing Influence
Panwar asserted that the BJP is continuously gaining ground across India:
“Just like we formed our government for the third time in Haryana and removed the Kejriwal government in Delhi after 11 years, our government also came to power in Maharashtra. Wherever elections are being held, regional parties are finishing, and BJP is marching ahead.”
Opposition Leaders Discuss Delimitation Issue
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin chaired the first Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting on the proposed delimitation issue in Chennai on Saturday.
The meeting was attended by several key leaders, including:
- Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
- Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
- Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
- Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann
- Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das
- BJD Leader Sanjay Kumar Das Burma
Following the discussions, the JAC unanimously adopted a resolution stating that “any delimitation exercise carried out by the Centre should be done transparently and after discussion with all stakeholders.”
Southern States Push for Transparency
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announced plans to hold an all-party meeting to address the issue, emphasizing the need for Southern states to maintain their political relevance.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has also expressed concerns, stating that delimitation should only take place after the next national census, scheduled post-2026.
The Tamil Nadu government, led by MK Stalin, has also clashed with the Central government over issues such as the three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the delimitation exercise.