Debabrata Saikia Writes to President, Seeks Intervention in the Delimitation Process

GUWAHATI: The Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia has written to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu requesting a halt in the process of delimitation of constituencies in Assam by the Election Commission of India.

He also provided several reasons for the request including the lack of inclusive representation as the draft has raised concerns among several communities and organisations in the state regarding adequate representation in the electoral process. He also mentioned that the reduction of the number of seats in Upper Assam has caused distress among several communities and changing the Dergaon constituency from SC reserved to general might undermine the representation of marginalised communities.

He added that the delimitation commission's policy of maintaining a district average population has not been consistent in certain districts raising questions regarding fairness and transparency. He also mentioned that the process has disregarded the principle of contiguity and caused disruptions at grassroots levels.

He also cited the lack of proper reservation for the Tiwa community and questioned why the process was undertaken before the publication of the NRC. He also raised the question that if the 2011 census could be used for the delimitation of constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, why was the 2001 considered as a basis in Assam. He also mentioned that the merger of districts just ahead of the delimitation process had other motives and action was not taken regarding the same even after complaints.

Hence he asked for the intervention of the President regarding the matter.

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