Chandigarh, 15 April (H.S.): Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on wednesday strongly criticised the proposed delimitation exercise linked to the Women’s Reservation Bill, terming it “brazenly discriminatory against Punjab” and a serious threat to India’s federal structure.

Addressing the issue in a detailed statement, Badal said that a population-based delimitation of Lok Sabha seats would significantly harm Punjab, which he described as a state with a “predominantly minority character.” He warned that Punjab would be among the biggest losers under the proposed changes, while other states could see a substantial increase in parliamentary representation.

He claimed that Haryana could witness nearly a 100 per cent increase in its Lok Sabha seats, while Punjab may only see a marginal rise. “Where does that leave us? Punjab is already suffering from systemic discrimination and injustice,” he said, adding that such changes would further weaken the state’s political voice at the national level.

The SAD leader alleged that the proposed exercise would reward states that did not follow population control measures, while punishing states like Punjab that adhered to national policy goals. He argued that this would create an imbalance in representation and distort the principle of federal equality.

In one of his strongest remarks, Badal described the delimitation move as a “death blow” to India’s already weakened federal structure. He claimed it would concentrate political power in a few Hindi heartland states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. According to him, these states could collectively gain a dominant share in the Lok Sabha, potentially controlling over 40 per cent of parliamentary strength, thereby reducing the influence of other states.

However, Badal reiterated that the Shiromani Akali Dal fully supports the Women’s Reservation Bill, stating that empowering women in politics is consistent with the teachings and values of the Sikh Gurus. He clarified that the party’s opposition is not to women’s reservation itself, but to its alleged linkage with the delimitation process.

Calling for a united political response, the SAD chief urged all parties in Punjab to come together for an all-party initiative to oppose the proposed delimitation framework.

He said the party would lead efforts to mobilise political leaders, opinion makers, and citizens to protect Punjab’s democratic rights.

Badal concluded by appealing for broader unity in defence of India’s federal principles, saying that safeguarding the interests of states like Punjab was essential for maintaining the country’s democratic balance and constitutional structure.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH