West Bengal Set for Possible Delimitation: New Assembly Building on the Cards?

West Bengal's political landscape could be on the cusp of transformation, as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday indicated that the state may undergo a delimitation exercise. This, he suggested, could lead to an increase in the number of assembly constituencies.

Addressing the assembly after the election of Rathindra Bose as speaker, Adhikari underscored the potential need for significant infrastructure changes, including the construction of a new assembly building, to accommodate the prospective rise in assembly seats.

The remarks come amidst the Centre's push for a nationwide delimitation exercise, following the defeat of a related Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lower House. Observers are speculating whether West Bengal could witness an exercise similar to Assam's 2023 delimitation, which drew criticism for allegedly diminishing minority voter influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)