The North East India Citizens Forum, Delhi (NEICFD) strongly urges the Chief Ministers of all the eight Northeastern States to rise and act unitedly to safeguard the region’s long-term political interests in the forthcoming delimitation exercise. Parliamentary representation should not be determined solely by population. The unique circumstances of Northeast India including its strategic international borders, difficult terrain, tribal and indigenous communities, cultural and linguistic diversity, developmental disparities and constitutional protections must also be taken into account. A stronger parliamentary voice is essential for national integration, federal balance, national security and inclusive democracy.
The NEICFD therefore calls upon each Northeastern State Government to convene a Special Session of its Legislative Assembly to deliberate on the implications of delimitation and adopt a unanimous Resolution seeking constitutional safeguards for enhanced and equitable representation in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and protection against further political marginalization of smaller States. The Resolution may include the following demands:
- Minimum Lok Sabha Representation: Every Northeastern State except Assam should be guaranteed a minimum of five to seven Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, irrespective of population, recognizing the region’s strategic importance, geographical realities, constitutional status and contribution to India’s unity and security.
- Minimum Rajya Sabha Representation: Every Northeastern State except Assam should be guaranteed a minimum of two to three Members in the Rajya Sabha, ensuring a more equitable voice for smaller States and strengthening the federal character of the Constitution.
- Enhanced Representation for Assam: Assam should have 21 Members in the Lok Sabha, representing a 50% increase over its existing 14 seats (14 + 7 = 21) and 11 Members in the Rajya Sabha (7 + 4 = 11).
- Broader Criteria for Delimitation: The forthcoming exercise should not be based solely on population, but also consider strategic international borders, national security, geographical terrain, tribal and indigenous representation, ethnic and cultural diversity, administrative convenience, developmental disparities, constitutional principles of cooperative federalism and balanced regional representation, so that smaller States are not further politically marginalized because of comparatively smaller populations.
Need for Urgent Action before it is Too Late
During the previous Special Session of Parliament in April 2026, the proposed constitutional amendment bill relating to delimitation did not secure the required support, largely because several southern States and political parties feared that population-based delimitation could reduce their relative representation in the Lok Sabha. However, now there is growing apprehension that if the Government of India proceeds with an enlarged Lok Sabha and a substantial increase in representation for every State, reportedly around 50 per cent, States and political parties that earlier opposed the proposal may reconsider their position and support the Bill. If such a consensus emerges and the Government is able to secure a two-thirds majority, delimitation could move forward rapidly, leaving little time for the Northeastern States to secure their constitutional interests. The Northeast presently has only 25 Members in the Lok Sabha. Even if all eight States receive an increase of around 50 per cent, the region would gain only about 12–13 additional Members, taking its combined strength to approximately 37–38 Members. By comparison, under the proposed formula, Uttar Pradesh alone could have 120 Members, while the entire Northeast would have only 37–38 Members. Such disparity would leave the region with a comparatively weak voice in the Lok Sabha, particularly in relation to the overall expansion of the House.
The elected representatives of all eight Northeastern States must therefore rise above party affiliations and adopt a common constitutional position before the delimitation process reaches its final stage. The demand for enhanced parliamentary representation is not a demand for special privilege or favour, nor does it seek to diminish the democratic rights of any other region. It seeks a fair and balanced constitutional framework recognizing the unique strategic, geographical, cultural and constitutional importance of Northeast India and ensuring that its people retain an effective and meaningful voice in Parliament.
A Historic and Defining Moment for Northeast India
The forthcoming delimitation exercise will be a historic and defining moment that may not recur again for another 40–50 years. In this regard, it is also clarified that the NEICFD is not pushing for delimitation before the National Register of Citizens (NRC) or the Census, as some States in Northeast India have expressed strong apprehension about these moves of the Government. The bigger issue, rather, is our fear that the Delimitation Bill, 2026, might be passed with or without the NRC and Census, while ignoring the genuine demand of the people of Northeast people for enhanced representation in Parliament, if timely action is not initiated by the respective State Governments of Northeast India before the Bill is introduced again, at a time when the Government is seriously planning to convene a Special Session of Parliament to pass this contentious Bill.
Therefore, the NEICFD earnestly appeals to all Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies of the Northeastern States to rise above political considerations, speak with one united voice and collectively protect the constitutional and democratic interests of the region. This is neither a party issue nor the concern of any single State. It is a matter that could determine the political voice and constitutional standing of Northeast India for generations to come. A stronger parliamentary voice for Northeast India will strengthen not only the region but also the unity, federal balance, national security and democratic foundations of the Republic of India.
Mathiupuang Gonmei, Convenor, NEICFD
This Press Statement is issued in the greater interest of the people of North East India by the NEICFD.