VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html NASA confirms: 4.6 billion-year-old Asteroid Apophis to enter satellite zone; know when and should we be concerned ‘Not a major scandal’: Uncle of accused in TCS Nashik case says ‘scripted conspiracy by Bajrang Dal’ Bengal polls: Why SIR is validation for Kalimpong residents | India News IPL 2026: Out-of-form KKR take on in-form GT; Prasidh Krishna poses big threat | Cricket News IPL 2026 Match Today, GT vs KKR: Predicted playing XI, head-to-head, pitch report and Ahmedabad weather report | Cricket News NEET UG 2026 scribe window opens for PwBD candidates: Check direct link to complete registrations here ‘Bhooth Bangla’ box office: Akshay Kumar starrer earns Rs 3.5 crore in paid previews, eyes strong Rs 15 crore opening World Public Transport Day: Dubai just revealed world’s first air-taxi station near Dubai International Airport (DBX); promises faster, traffic-free travel across the city ‘We can do what we want’: Trump claims US on course for victory over ‘smart, tough’ Iran Amid the recurring debate over whether northern states could gain at the expense of the South in any future Lok Sabha expansion, the historical record tells a more complicated story. Between 1951 and 1977, when parliamentary seats were periodically reallocated after Census exercises, both the Hindi belt and the southern states saw their share of Lok Sabha seats decline. But the Hindi belt’s share fell by far more — 3.1 percentage points, against a 1.2-point decline for the South.The main reason was not a gain for the South over the North, or vice versa, but the growing representation of Union Territories and the rising share of western and eastern states. The comparison also needs to be read with caution: India’s map looked very different in 1951, before the linguistic reorganisation of states. By 1956, states were more or less in their present form, but several UTs either had little or no Lok Sabha representation at the time. Taken together, the data shows that changes in parliamentary representation were shaped not just by the North-South balance, but also by state reorganisation, UT representation, and the evolving federal map of India.► The 1951 election was held before the linguistic reorganisation of states, so state boundaries were very different from today’s ► After the 1956 reorganisation, states were broadly in their present form, but several Union Territories still had little or no Lok Sabha representation ► The fall in share was driven partly by the growing representation of UTs and by gains by western and eastern states ► Even in 1977, the last election in this analysis since Lok Sabha seats have not been reallocated after that, Daman & Diu did not exist as a separate UT ► This comparison tracks share of total Lok Sabha seats, not voter population per Member of Parliament or constituency size ►For 1951 and 1957, the figures refer to seats, not constituencies, because some constituencies then elected two membersEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123Photostories8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods ‘India’s loss, not Iyer’s’: Ashwin endorses Shreyas Iyer as next T20I captain HSSC CET result 2026 released at hssc.gov.in: Direct link to download scorecards here After Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan,’ Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ faces leak scare; makers issue strict warning and legal action against piracy The invisible strain: How tight bends are killing your EV charging cable | Just weeks before big Siri launch, Apple may send away dozens of its engineers for a multiweek bootcamp Clavicular story takes dark turn after overdose as early hospital exit and PR support loss raise serious questions How interplay of caste, geography decides winners in Tamil Nadu | India News Apr 17, 2026, 08:47 IST Christina Applegate hospitalised in Los Angeles amid ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis | How to fix sour idli batter instantly with simple kitchen hacks | ‘Broke down in tears’: Artemis II crew recall ‘otherworldly’ experience of their trip to the Moon | “You lied about it”: Candace Owens explodes at JD Vance in jaw-dropping rant over Iran school strike controversy Representative image NEW DELHI: While the Lok Sabha debated three Bills, including a Constitutional amendment Bill, to enable the rollout of women’s reservation in the 2029 general election, the law ministry on Thursday notified April 16, 2026 as the date on which the provisions of the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act 2023 — popularly called the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam — shall come into force.Sources in the government said the commencement of the 2023 Act was notified as it was a “technical” requirement for seeking further amendments to the very constitutional provisions it had inserted/amended.The Lok Sabha is currently debating three Bills, including the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 that seeks to amend Article 330A, 332A and 334A inserted through the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth) Amendment) Act, 2023. The 2023 Constitution amendment Act had contemplated women’s reservation to become operative after the first delimitation undertaken on the basis of the relevant census after the commencement of the Act. However, the government, reasoning that the next census (Census 2027) and consequential delimitation will take considerable time and delay the participation of women in the polity, introduced on Thursday the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill to enable delimitation exercise to be undertaken on the basis of population figures of the latest published census, which is Census 2011.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123Photostories8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantlyWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?Top 5 posh residential areas in Gurugram for premium living7 local and comforting dishes to try in Mangalore123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods Apr 17, 2026, 08:07 IST Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for April 17, 2026 – check list Karnataka SSLC result in third week of May, Higher Secondary on 25th May: Here’s what students need to know ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ final trailer drops ahead of May release, Gives fans a look into the duo’s connection The secret ‘twist’ to keeping your curtains dust-free without constant washing | Oil prices today: Crude falls in early trade on hopes of easing Middle East conflict Russia hits Ukraine with missiles & drones, 17 dead ‘Targeting commercial shipping unacceptable’: India urges safe navigation through Strait of Hormuz at UN | India News China springs surprise with 5% growth Dwayne Johnson unveils new look at ‘Moana’ live-adaptation, reflects on his role as Maui; ‘An amazing experience’ OpenAI Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane is very angry with everyone blaming AI for ‘doomsday’, especially Americans and Europeans; says: They are … War brings US close to net crude exporter for first time since WWII Tamil Nadu polls: DMK bets on Senthilbalaji to breach ADMK’s western bastion | India News IPL 2026 | ‘Aaj hi kiya hai na sir, kal kaha’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s funny exchange with Romi Bhinder goes viral – WATCH | Cricket News US cos wary of Trump’s fresh tariff plan under 301 ‘Street Fighter’ Trailer: Vidyut Jammwal makes Hollywood debut as Dhalsim in the Noah Centineo starrer | English Movie News Buy or sell: Stock recommendation by brokers for April 17, 2026 Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day truce: Donald Trump At Tekhali Bridge, the spot synonymous with the 2007 land acquisition movement that led to 14 deaths, and an entry point to Nandigram — it’s hard to miss the sea of saffron. On many flags, the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” is written prominently; on others, the Ram Temple is featured.Amidst these saffron flags are some bright yellow ones, too, bearing the slogan “Joy Bangla”.Yet, there are no BJP or Trinamool Congress flags anywhere. Up ahead, whether it is Reyapara, Sonachura, or Mohammadpur, the picture is the same. Identity politics has arrived in Nandigram.“You can blindfold me, but I would still know Nandigram like the back of my hand,” says Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP nominee from the seat. “The new entrants might need to place their CVs here, not me. I am the same Suvendu standing here in 2026 that stood with the residents of Nandigram in 2004,” adds Adhikari, who defeated chief minister Mamata Banerjee here in 2021.When TOI caught up with him, Adhikari had just completed an election meeting at Binandapur in Nandigram-I, convened at the Manasa Mandir grounds, a little more than 5km from the Nandigram bus stand.The politics of religious identity is hard to miss. “Sanatanis will trounce Adharma,” says Bapi Das, a local. “Adhikari is an icon here,” he adds. “He made Nandigram what it is today. He gifted Nandigram to CM Banerjee in 2007, and he knows how to take it back, too.”Adhikari had reminded those attending the meeting that while he secures barely two votes from the Mohammadpur Madrasah booth (where Muslims are a majority), he gets around 400 from the Hindu-majority local high school booth, with the opposition securing another 250-odd votes. “When will you learn to unite? Think, practice thinking,” Adhikari told the crowd.Adhikari claims it is his “inclusivity” that provides him with confidence.“Hindus are not the only ones targeted by the Trinamool,” he says with conviction. “Several Muslims have also suffered. I am the first person on the spot when anyone is attacked by Trinamool goons. I can name people from the minority community whom I have helped. That is the reason they will vote for the CM but come to me for help. There is a josh among workers here. They know that even if they go to jail, their families are safe. Suvendu is there for them. They have asked me to concentrate on Bhowanipore and defeat Mamata Banerjee there again. They have assured me that they will take care of Nandigram on my behalf,” Adhikari asserts.He, however, is leaving nothing to chance. He has visited each of the 17 anchals in his constituency almost every evening despite travelling extensively across the state, projecting the image of being “the boy next door”.Adhikari’s opponent from the Trinamool Congress, 46-year-old Pabitra Kar, is following a similar pattern.Kar is no pushover. A political turncoat himself, he has deep links with multiple Hindu organisations such as Hindu Samhati and Sanatani Sena. The TMC nominee is a former Adhikari confidant, who knows Adhikari’s organisational setup all too well. In 2021, when CM Banerjee was contesting here, many credited Kar with securing a 3,500-plus lead for Adhikari in Boyal I and II, which clinched his narrow victory.Kar promises development, which, he insists, has eluded Nandigram, while pulling no punches against Adhikari. “All Nandigram has seen in the past is a set of empty assurances,” he says. “It’s time I brought real development. If Adhikari is the heartbeat of Nandigram, why does he resort to intimidation and threats in each election? My only job is to reach out to every person. This cycle of intimidation must stop.”Political observers say that in the closely fought poll battle in Nandigram, the delicate balance of win and loss lies in different demographic segments. This becomes important after SIR, which saw 12,500 Muslim voters struck off the rolls. Alleged open threats to migrant workers — by Adhikari himself — have only led to further discomfort among Muslims.Kar has been maintaining a relatively silent — but steady — grassroots campaign. Trinamool appears to be focusing on strengthening his local connections and organisational support.According to an interpretation by the research organisation Sabar Institute, although Muslims constitute only 25% of Nandigram’s total population, nearly 95.5% of the voters deleted from the supplementary list belong to the minority community.“My neighbour’s name is missing, and I am still unsure whether I will be allowed to vote,” says Rubina Bibi, a resident of Mohammadpur.Most voters said they want to go beyond the rhetoric of politics. “We have a railway station, but no rail line,” alleged Tarun Das, a Reyapara resident. “There is still no direct connectivity to Haldia because we have no bridge over the Haldi river. There is no meaningful employment even in Haldia.”Gokulnagar resident Nur Ali says that Nandigram should no longer be in the news only for its politics. “It is difficult for me to keep track of today’s youth. They are in the BJP today, and in TMC the next day. There is a cycle of threats, clout, and money power,” says Swadesh Jana, a trader from Tangua Bazar.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123Photostories8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods As IPOs lose steam, investors cash in on secondary deals Singer D4vd is arrested on suspicion of MURDER of Celeste Rivas Hernandez after decomposing body of teen found in his car Stop forcing it! 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