The Big Picture : India’s federal structure faces a stress test as the 2026 delimitation looms, pitting states against each other over political representation. Southern leaders, especially from Telangana, argue the current system undermines cooperative federalism, exposing deep challenges in balancing power between the Union and states. What’s Happening: Telangana’s Cry : CM Revanth Anumula demands South India’s Lok Sabha share rise to 33% (from 24%) and an exemption from population-based delimitation, claiming the South’s nation-building role is at risk. BRS’s KTR pushes for a Union that acts as a “big brother,” not a “big boss,” under #CooperativeFederalism. The Divide : Southern states, with controlled population growth, fear losing seats to northern giants like Uttar Pradesh, threatening their federal clout. Key Federalism Challenges: Equity vs. Democrac y: Population-based delimitation aligns with “one person, one vote” but punishes states that curbed growth—a federal fairnes...