MoS Ranjan petitions Shah for additional unreserved LS seat
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 04 2024: In a formal letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of State for Education & External Affairs Dr Rajkumar Ran-jan has presented key suggestions regarding the forthcoming delimitation process for parliamentary and assembly constituencies in the state of Manipur.

He also proposed an additional unreserved Lok Sabha seat, especially for the eight unreserved assembly constituencies included in the Outer (ST) parliamentary constituency.

Dr Ranjan urged that the delimitation process should be grounded in the latest census figures, emphasising the necessity for a fair and impartial approach devoid of favouritism towards any specific community or ethnic group.

The minister underscored the importance of maintaining complete transparency throughout the delimitation process to ensure a free and fair decision-making and conclusion.

One of the noteworthy proposals put forth by the minister is the establishment of an additional unreserved Lok Sabha constituency incorporating the eight unreserved assembly constituencies currently falling within the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, which is designated as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved constituency.

The people of the eight ACs are deprived of their rights to contest Lok Sabha election though they are allowed to exercise their voting rights, he pointed out.

Anticipating a potential increase in number of assembly seats from the existing 60 to 70, Dr Ranjan also advocated for fair distribution or creation of reserved (SC/ST) and unreserved seats.

Looking ahead to the lifting of the moratorium in 2026, the minister insisted that the comprehensive delimitation exercise must be based on the latest census data, incorporating biometrics, and linked With Aadhaar for accuracy and authenticity.

Expressing confidence that the proposed recommendations will be taken into serious consideration, the union minister stated that these measures would contribute to a more equitable political representation in Manipur, aligning with the democratic principles and values of the country.

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