As part of the Geneva Democracy Week, the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy hosted a panel discussion with Dr. Milan Vaishnav, Senior Fellow and Director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Professor Louise Tillin from King's College London on "Remapping Political Power in India." The event offered a deep dive into the dynamics of democracy and federalism in one of the world's largest democracies. The discussion centered around the critical issues of federalism, representation and governance.

Dr. Vaishnav highlighted how differential population growth has led to a stark imbalance in representation, challenging the foundational premise of "one person, one vote." The discussion also touched upon potential constitutional changes to address this disparity, including the proposal to expand the size of India's lower house of parliament. Dr. Vaishnav emphasized the implications of these changes, both politically and economically, especially for the federal structure of governance in India.

During her intervention, Professor Tillin explored the historical tension between national and regional powers in India. She discussed how we can revisit the federal principle enshrined in India's Constitution. This, she argued, could be an opportunity to recognize the diverse regional histories and cultures that compose the Indian Union.

Both speakers addressed the economic dimensions entwined with political representation, noting that states that have championed lower fertility rates could face a reduction in parliamentary seats. Such changes could shift the balance of political power, influencing both governance and the distribution of federal resources.

The panel discussion concluded with a reflection on the path ahead for India's democratic framework underlining the necessity for India to decide what kind of federation it aspires to be. The potential redrawing of political boundaries offers a moment for serious introspection and dialogue about the kind of democracy India aims to uphold.

Watch the full panel below.