- The implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) is linked constitutionally to the next delimitation exercise after the first Census post-2026. - Delimitation based strictly on post-2026 population figures creates a structural tension regarding the North-South divide, as southern states that successfully controlled population growth fear losing parliamentary representation compared to northern states with higher growth rates. - This interplay between gender representation, parliamentary reallocation, and federal balance presents unique policy and legislative challenges for cooperative federalism in India. - **Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act):** Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, providing 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, effective post-delimitation. - **Delimitation Act:** The statutory process of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies based on recent population census figures to ensure equal representation. - **Lok Sabha:** The lower house of India's bicameral Parliament, directly elected by citizens on the basis of adult suffrage, comprising representatives of constituencies. **Introduction** The article examines the intricate relationship between the Women’s Reservation Act and the upcoming delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. It highlights how linking women's reservation to post-2026 census delimitation intersects with concerns over the North-South political divide, population control disparities, and cooperative federalism in India. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) is linked constitutionally to the next delimitation exercise after the first Census post-2026. - Delimitation based strictly on post-2026 population figures creates a structural tension regarding the North-South divide, as southern states that successfully controlled population growth fear losing parliamentary representation compared to northern states with higher growth rates. - This interplay between gender representation, parliamentary reallocation, and federal balance presents unique policy and legislative challenges for cooperative federalism in India. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act):** Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, providing 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, effective post-delimitation. - **Delimitation Act:** The statutory process of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies based on recent population census figures to ensure equal representation. - **Lok Sabha:** The lower house of India's bicameral Parliament, directly elected by citizens on the basis of adult suffrage, comprising representatives of constituencies.