It was the renowned American economist and humanist John Kenneth Galbraith who once referred to India as a functional anarchy. Galbraith, who also served as his country’s ambassador to India, made the comment in admiration of a civilisation where diversity was strength, not a weakness.

One wonders what Galbraith would have said if he had visited contemporary India where diversity is viewed as a cultural threat and political differences are construed as conspiracy. Contemporary India, with the looming imposition of one leader, one party, one election, one language and one faith would have scared him away.

The powers that be proclaim they know — and only they know — what is in the interest of the country. And the mantra they chant is homogenisation. The single biggest obstacle they see towards achieving this goal is south India.

Fault Line 1: Delimitation, a political earthquake in the making

One of the most pressing concerns is the proposed delimitation exercise. According to Article 82 of the Constitution, Lok Sabha seats are to be reallocated after every Census to reflect updated population figures. However, this process was suspended in 1976. The freeze was later extended by the Vajpayee government to ensure fair representation.

With the ruling government delaying the 2021 Census and preparing for delimitation before the 2029 elections, the repercussions for south India could be severe.

Population projections as of March 2025 indicate that the total number of Lok Sabha seats would increase to around 790 on a pro-rata basis. While Kerala would maintain its 20 seats, Uttar Pradesh alone would see a jump from 80 to 133 seats. Consequently, the southern states’ share of Lok Sabha seats would shrink from the current 24 per cent of 543 seats to just 19 per cent. In contrast, the Hindi belt’s representation would rise from 32 per cent to 38 per cent.

Additionally, reapportionment would impact SC/ST-reserved seats, altering reservation dynamics in favour of the North. This deliberate power shift........

© Indian Express