Itanagar, May 7: Former Member of Parliament and former minister Takam Sanjoy has urged the Government of India, the Delimitation Commission and the Election Commission of India to amend the Constitution to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats for Arunachal Pradesh from two to six, Rajya Sabha seats from one to two, and Legislative Assembly seats from 60 to 90.
Sanjoy stated that the present representation does not reflect the state’s vast ethnic, geographic and strategic characteristics. He cited constitutional amendments and political developments that have contributed to Arunachal Pradesh’s integration into the Indian Union, including the grant of full statehood in 1987 through the 55th Constitutional Amendment.
He said that the expansion of parliamentary and assembly constituencies is necessary due to the state's sensitive location along international borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan, and its significant ethnic diversity. According to him, Arunachal Pradesh has 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, many of whom lack adequate political representation under the current configuration.
Sanjoy added that the state’s low literacy rate, underdeveloped infrastructure, and large geographical area further justify a re-evaluation of constituency distribution, independent of population figures alone. He argued that the delimitation process should consider the region’s unique socio-political and demographic conditions.
The former MP also referred to a resolution unanimously adopted by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on 23 March 1998, during its ninth session, which called for increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats from two to six and the Rajya Sabha seat from one to two. The resolution, moved by Sanjoy, cited Article 80(A) and 81 of the Constitution as a basis for amendment.
He said the demand is further supported by the 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, which he believes will impact tribal representation unless additional seats are created.
Sanjoy appealed to political parties, civil society groups, student organisations and the general public in the state to collectively pursue the demand with the Centre, Election Commission, and Delimitation Commission. He also informed that efforts are underway to establish a permanent body to coordinate future delegations and advocacy on the issue.
