Imphal: Union Minister of State for Education & External Affairs, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan, has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to create an additional unreserved Lok Sabha seat for Manipur. Dr Ranjan proposed establishing a new constituency comprising eight unreserved Assembly Constituencies currently under the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, which is reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
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Anticipating a potential increase in Assembly seats from 60 to 70, he advocated for a fair distribution of reserved (SC/ST) and unreserved seats. Dr Ranjan insisted that the comprehensive delimitation exercise, expected after lifting the moratorium in 2026, should be based on the latest census data, incorporating biometrics and Aadhar for accuracy and authenticity.
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A press statement from the office of the Minister of State for Education & External Affairs (RRS) on Thursday outlined Dr Rajkumar Ranjan’s formal letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, presenting suggestions for the impending delimitation process in Manipur. The letter stressed the necessity of using the latest census figures for a fair and unbiased approach, devoid of favoritism toward any specific community or ethnic group.
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The Union Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining complete transparency in the delimitation process to ensure free and fair decisions. He expressed confidence that the proposed recommendations would contribute to a more equitable political representation in Manipur, aligning with the democratic principles and values of Bharat.
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