Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Delimitation Row: SAD demands population freeze reference at 1971 Census, calls for equal Rajya Sabha representation for all states
Babushahi Bureau
Chennai/Chandigarh, March 22: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has called for freezing population reference at the 1971 census and allocating additional Lok Sabha seats based on national population growth rates to ensure states that effectively controlled population growth are not penalized.
Speaking at the Convention on Federalism and Delimitation in Chennai, hosted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, SAD Working President Balwinder Singh Bhundar emphasized that states like Punjab, which have adhered to national population policies, should be rewarded rather than disadvantaged. He was accompanied by senior leader Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema.
Equal Representation in Rajya Sabha
Bhundar advocated for equal representation of all states in the Rajya Sabha, stating that since the upper house represents states rather than population, each state should have an equal number of seats, ensuring fair federal representation.
Strengthening Federalism & State Autonomy
Bhundar also reaffirmed SAD’s commitment to redefining Centre-State relations as per the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, which was reaffirmed in 1978 at the Akali Conference in Ludhiana.
He stressed the need to decentralize power, citing the Emergency era's excessive centralization as an example of why states should have more autonomy.Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s proposal to the National Commission was also referenced, calling for:
- Reforming the role of Governors to align with a true federal structure.
- Abolishing Article 356, which allows the Centre to dissolve State Governments.
- Empowering States to draft their own development plans based on local needs.
Opposition to Language Imposition
Bhundar strongly opposed any imposition of languages by the Union Government, stating that each state should have autonomy in determining educational policies, including deciding the medium of instruction in schools and colleges.
Call for United Action on Federalism
SAD extended full support to the convention’s objectives, urging all like-minded parties to unite in strengthening federalism, state rights, and linguistic autonomy. It also thanked Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin for taking the initiative to bring national political parties together to deliberate on crucial federal issues.
SAD reiterated that leaders like Parkash Singh Badal and M. Karunanidhi had always championed state autonomy and the greater devolution of powers to the states.