Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Seeks Land for New Assembly as Delimitation Looms
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday hinted that the state's Assembly may see a significant increase in the number of seats if the Centre's proposed Delimitation Bill is passed. Addressing the budget session's vote of thanks, he urged Speaker Rathindra Bose to identify land for a new Assembly building to accommodate the expected expansion.
Adhikari said, “A new Assembly building will have to be constructed, like the Lok Sabha. This is because if the Centre's proposed delimitation, that is, redrawing of constituencies, and 33 percent reservation for women are implemented, it will be difficult to provide seating space for legislators in the current Assembly.”
The Chief Minister asked the Speaker to inspect possible sites in consultation with all political parties, along with the Public Works Department. He stressed that a preliminary plan should be prepared without delay. “At present, there are 294 seats in the Assembly. If delimitation and 33 percent women's reservation are implemented, the number will go beyond 400. There will be no seating space. Planning must begin now. I am saying this in the presence of the Finance Minister as a witness, there will be no financial problem,” he added.
The Delimitation Bill, which is yet to be presented in Parliament, aims to redraw parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on the latest census data. The process has been pending since 1976, and the government has indicated it will proceed after the 2021 census data is finalised. Additionally, the Women's Reservation Bill, passed in 2023, reserves one-third of seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women, but its implementation is linked to the delimitation exercise.
Political observers note that West Bengal currently has 294 assembly constituencies. If both measures are implemented, the number of seats could increase by more than 100, mandating a larger legislative chamber. The current Assembly building, built in the 18th century, is already constrained for space.
Opposition parties have reacted cautiously, with some questioning the timing of the announcement. The Trinamool Congress, the principal opposition in the state, has not yet commented officially. However, the Chief Minister's statement comes amid ongoing debates over the delimitation process, which some southern states fear could reduce their representation in Parliament.
Speaker Rathindra Bose, while acknowledging the request, said he would initiate consultations with all stakeholders. “We will examine suitable land parcels and ensure a transparent process,” he told reporters.
The state government has not provided a timeline or budget estimate for the proposed building. The Finance Minister, who was present during the speech, did not offer immediate details on funding.
