Chandigarh, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday opposed the Congress proposal to freeze Lok Sabha constituencies for another 25 years, describing it as contrary to the principle of democratic representation and warning that it could restrict opportunities for a new generation of political leaders.
SAD senior leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's suggestion, arguing that parliamentary representation was already facing the consequences of a prolonged freeze.
“Seats have already been frozen for nearly 55 years, since 1971, when India's population was only 54.8 crore. Today, it is around 140 crore,” Cheema said.
He said extending the freeze by another 25 years would further aggravate the existing problems, with constituencies becoming increasingly large and difficult to manage effectively.
Cheema also raised concerns over the potential impact of delimitation on the federal balance. He said Punjab and southern states could stand to lose parliamentary representation even as more populous states in central and northern India gain seats.
According to the SAD leader, an indefinite freeze was not the appropriate solution, particularly when it could penalize states that had successfully implemented population-control measures.
Instead, he proposed increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha by 50 per cent across the board, followed by a delimitation exercise based on the expanded strength.
“This will improve representation, accommodate population growth, create greater opportunities for younger leaders and protect India's federal balance,” Cheema said.
The SAD's objection comes amid a wider debate over the future delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and its implications for states with differing population trajectories.