Naveen Patnaik Terms Delimitation Based on Population an Injustice to Odisha

Naveen Patnaik opposed population-based delimitation, calling it unfair to states like Odisha that curbed population growth. He stressed that such efforts should be rewarded, not penalized. Odisha risks losing Lok Sabha seats if 2026 data is used. Patnaik urged the Centre to hold discussions and ensure equitable representation for all states.

Biju Janata Dal president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has strongly opposed the proposed delimitation of constituencies based solely on population figures, calling it unfair to states like Odisha. Speaking via video conferencing at a meeting hosted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in Chennai, Patnaik warned that Odisha, which has worked diligently to reduce its fertility rate, should not be punished for its success in stabilizing population growth.

Highlighting that Odisha’s progress was in line with national priorities, Patnaik argued that using projected 2026 population data for seat redistribution would cause states with effective population control measures to lose parliamentary representation. He asserted that the BJD would firmly protect the interests of the people of Odisha and urged the Centre to engage all stakeholders in an open discussion to address concerns surrounding delimitation.

Odisha, which currently holds 21 Lok Sabha seats based on the 1971 Census, may lose seats in the reallocation process if delimitation proceeds without considering efforts made by states in population control. Patnaik emphasized that population control has long been a key national agenda and that states such as Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and others have played a vital role in achieving demographic stability. He warned that penalizing these states would set a dangerous precedent and discourage responsible governance.

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The move to revise seat allocations is based on the “one person, one vote, one value” principle, which, according to Patnaik, could disadvantage states that have shown governance discipline. While he did not attend the meeting in person, Patnaik was represented by former lawmaker Amar Patnaik and former minister Sanjay Dasburma.