‘Census isn’t inherently a solution, it’s a starting point’

At the Legally Speaking: 3rd Law and Constitutional Dialogue, event organised by iTV Network, Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram addressed the topic “Delimitation: Does India Need More MPs in Parliament?” He offered candid insights on representation, economic challenges, and the necessity for pragmatic reforms over superficial expansions.
Chidambaram criticized the divisive nature of religion-centric debates, urging a shift towards pressing economic issues. “Why should religion even matter?” he questioned. “We should be addressing the lack of opportunities and economic growth rather than fixating on one’s faith, which is a private matter. Conversations centered on religion serve no practical purpose in advancing India’s development.”
On the caste census, he shared a balanced perspective: “Personally, I don’t identify with any caste, but I see no harm in conducting a census. Collecting data is not the issue—it’s how that data is used that matters. A census by itself is neutral; it’s the actions taken afterward that require scrutiny.”
Using a light-hearted analogy, he explained, “As someone over six feet tall, I struggle with legroom in Parliament and on flights. But just because I face this inconvenience doesn’t mean airlines or Parliament will introduce broader seats. Similarly, a census isn’t inherently a solution—it’s a starting point.”
Addressing the idea of increasing the number of Members of Parliament (MPs), Chidambaram was clear: “We don’t need more members. With 543 MPs, many already struggle to get speaking time. Expanding Parliament would turn it into a chaotic space. What we need is a more effective legislative process and stronger local governance to deliver services to the people.”
He emphasized the inefficiency in the current setup: “Increasing seats won’t lead to better outcomes. Instead, we should focus on enhancing the quality of discussions and legislation.”
Chidambaram dismissed concerns about population decline, countering alarmist rhetoric with pragmatism: “I’d welcome a decrease in population—it’s not a cause for concern. What we lack are employment opportunities for the current population, let alone a larger one.”
He highlighted the regional economic divide: “What concerns me more than population growth is the economic inequality between the North and South. Bridging this gap should be our priority.”
A strong advocate for gender equality in politics, Chidambaram called for greater representation of women in Parliament: “We need more women MPs, not more MPs overall. Women bring diverse perspectives and are equally capable as men. Unfortunately, most parties, including my own, fail to nominate enough women candidates. Exceptions like the TMC and BJD have set commendable examples.”
He also addressed the inefficiency of increasing Parliament seats: “Increasing the number of seats in Parliament will make it less effective. Currently, there is already limited time for debates, and MPs often struggle to get an opportunity to speak. Adding more members will only exacerbate the issue, so that is not the solution.”
Chidambaram reflected on the importance of discussions about the Constitution: “Celebrating 75 years of our Constitution is not just ceremonial—it’s an opportunity to acknowledge it as a living document that unites this nation and guides our democracy. Such discussions bring diverse perspectives to the forefront.”
On Priyanka Gandhi’s potential role in Parliament, Chidambaram expressed confidence: “She is a natural leader with strong support across the country. I believe she has a long and impactful innings ahead of her.”
Chidambaram candidly acknowledged the Congress party’s historical mistakes: “Yes, we’ve made mistakes, and we’ve apologized for them. Indira Gandhi expressed regret for the Emergency, and Manmohan Singh apologized for 1994. But tell me—has the BJP ever expressed regret for any of their actions? Admitting mistakes is a sign of accountability, something the BJP seems to lack.” He exclaimed by questioning the BJP on their acceptance of any mistakes.