Centre aims to revive delimitation Bill, push joint polls by 2029

India’s government is preparing to reintroduce the delimitation Bill and accelerate plans for simultaneous national and state elections ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, following its defeat in April over the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Union Home Ministry is drafting a revised version of the delimitation Bill, which aims to redraw parliamentary and assembly constituencies, while the BJP explores political realignments with regional parties to secure support. The BJP’s outreach to the DMK comes after its electoral victories in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu disrupted opposition dynamics. Sources indicate the DMK may consider negotiations on specific issues, including safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary representation if population control measures are successfully implemented. The BJP is also monitoring divisions within the TMC in West Bengal, which could influence its parliamentary strategy. In parallel, work on the One Nation One Election Bill—aimed at synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly polls—is advancing through a 39-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Chairman P P Chaudhary stated the committee is making progress and will submit its report before the Monsoon session ends. A BJP leader suggested the law could be rolled out in phases, accounting for varying state assembly terms, with elections in seven states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, scheduled for 2027. The BJP has already approached the DMK with proposed amendments to the election reform Bill to address its concerns, including protecting existing representation ratios. A senior DMK leader emphasized that Tamil Nadu’s interests would guide its stance, provided assurances that successful population control states face no penalties. However, DMK leaders dismissed talk of a political alliance with the BJP as premature, citing ideological differences. The timing of these moves follows recent assembly elections, which weakened opposition parties like the TMC and DMK. The BJP’s strategy appears to balance pressure on the government to push reforms with careful negotiations to garner regional party support. The JPC’s extended tenure and the upcoming Monsoon session remain critical milestones for the legislation’s progress.