A working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister suggests increasing India's Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 824 by splitting large constituencies, aiming to raise voter turnout by 0.3-2.3 percentage points.
Japan and the Philippines are strengthening defense and maritime cooperation due to shared concerns about China. This move, alongside an enhanced strategic partnership with Vietnam, is seen as creating a more integrated security front that could impact Beijing's planning in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
Taiwan's Fisheries Agency will request consultation with Japan and the Philippines regarding their EEZ and continental shelf delimitation talks, as the proposed boundaries may overlap with Taiwan's claimed economic waters. The agency emphasized that Taiwan has existing fisheries agreements and consultation mechanisms with both nations.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized Taiwan's authorities for endorsing Japan and the Philippines' "maritime delimitation talks," stating that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China and that the DPP authorities are betraying national interests for political gain.
China's Coast Guard conducted patrols east of Taiwan, citing Japan and the Philippines' maritime boundary negotiations as an infringement on Chinese sovereignty. Spokesman Jiang Lue urged the two nations to cease "illegal actions" and vowed to "firmly safeguard" China's territorial rights.
Tamil Nadu's new TVK government will cooperate with the central BJP-led government for state progress but opposes delimitation, citing bias against southern states. The government, rooted in Dravidian ideology, prioritizes law and order, drug control, women's safety, and attracting investments.
Recent poll results in Bengal and Assam present a political challenge for the Muslim community, amplified by BJP's strategies and measures like delimitation and SIR. These actions, coupled with a Hindu-polarizing campaign, have reduced Muslim influence in certain seats. This trend could encourage similar tactics and push secular parties to re-evaluate their stances, potentially benefiting minority-focused outfits.
In a groundbreaking achievement, the NDA celebrated its third straight victory in Assam, with the BJP obtaining an unprecedented standalone majority. The stunning win, fueled by record voter turnout and new delimitation changes, saw the alliance claim 102 seats.
A government bill linking women's reservation to a landmark seat expansion in the parliament and state assemblies was defeated on the floor of the Lok Sabha. The opposition called it a victory against delimitation "by the backdoor." Here is what the bill sought to do, why it collapsed, and what the constitutional fight over representation will look like next.
A government bill linking women's reservation to a landmark seat expansion in the parliament and state assemblies was defeated on the floor of the Lok Sabha. The opposition called it a victory against delimitation "by the backdoor." Here is what the bill sought to do, why it collapsed, and what the constitutional fight over representation will look like next.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hit back at PM Modi's criticism regarding the Women's Reservation Bill, accusing him of misleading the nation. She defended her party, TMC, stating its consistent support for women's representation. Banerjee clarified her opposition is to the delimitation exercise, which she believes is a political ploy, and questioned the bill's delayed implementation and linkage to delimitation.
Sonia Gandhi questioned the Modi government's planned delimitation, demanding it be preceded by a census and be politically equitable. She also called for an OBC sub-quota for women and labeled the process 'deeply flawed'.
