NEW DELHI, 2 Sep: The North East India Citizens Forum, Delhi (NEICFD), has strongly urged the chief ministers of all eight Northeastern states to unite and seek constitutional safeguards for enhanced and equitable representation in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha ahead of the delimitation exercise proposed under the Delimitation Bill, 2026.

In a press statement, the Forum said that parliamentary representation should not be determined solely by population and that the region's strategic international borders, difficult terrain, tribal and indigenous communities, cultural and linguistic diversity, developmental disparities and constitutional protections must also be taken into consideration.

The Forum called upon all Northeastern state governments to convene special sessions of their respective legislative assemblies to deliberate on the implications of delimitation and adopt unanimous resolutions seeking constitutional safeguards for enhanced and equitable parliamentary representation, as well as protection against further political marginalisation of smaller states.

It demanded that every Northeastern state, except Assam, be guaranteed a minimum of five to seven seats in the Lok Sabha, irrespective of population, recognising the region's strategic importance, geographical realities, constitutional status and contribution to India's unity and security.

It also sought a minimum of two to three Rajya Sabha seats for every Northeastern state, except Assam, to ensure a more equitable voice for smaller states and strengthen the federal character of the Constitution.

The Forum stated that Assam should have 21 members in the Lok Sabha, representing a 50 per cent increase from its existing 14 seats, and 11 members in the Rajya Sabha, up from the present seven.

The Northeast presently has only 25 members in the Lok Sabha.

"Even if all eight states receive an increase of around 50 per cent, the region would gain only about 12-13 additional members, taking its combined strength to approximately 37-38 members. By comparison, under the proposed formula, Uttar Pradesh alone could have 120 members, while the entire Northeast would have only 37-38 members. Such disparity would leave the region with a comparatively weak voice in the Lok Sabha, particularly in relation to the overall expansion of the House," the NEICFD stated.

It also stated that the proposed constitutional amendment bill relating to delimitation did not secure the required support during the previous Special Session of Parliament in April this year, largely because several southern states and political parties feared that population-based delimitation could reduce their relative representation in the Lok Sabha.

"However, now there is growing apprehension that if the Government of India proceeds with an enlarged Lok Sabha and a substantial increase in representation for every state, reportedly around 50 per cent, states and political parties that earlier opposed the proposal may reconsider their position and support the Bill. If such a consensus emerges and the Government is able to secure a two-thirds majority, delimitation could move forward rapidly, leaving little time for the Northeastern states to secure their constitutional interests," it said.

Stating that the forthcoming delimitation exercise will be a historic and defining moment that may not recur for another 40 to 50 years, the Forum appealed to all chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, MPs and MLAs of the Northeastern states to rise above political considerations, speak with one united voice and collectively protect the constitutional and democratic interests of the region.

"This is neither a party issue nor the concern of any single state. It is a matter that could determine the political voice and constitutional standing of Northeast India for generations to come," it said.

The Forum added that "a stronger parliamentary voice for Northeast India will strengthen not only the region but also the unity, federal balance, national security and democratic foundations of the Republic of India."

The Forum clarified that the demand for enhanced parliamentary representation is not a demand for special privilege or favour, nor does it seek to diminish the democratic rights of any other region.

"It seeks a fair and balanced constitutional framework recognising the unique strategic, geographical, cultural and constitutional importance of Northeast India and ensuring that its people retain an effective and meaningful voice in Parliament," the statement added.